SINGAPORE — Singapore Airlines (SQ), renowned as one of the world’s leading airlines, has reached a pivotal milestone: every aircraft in its fleet now features fully flat-bed seats in Business Class. As of October 25, 2025, the airline officially retired its final Boeing 737-800, marking the completion of a long-standing project aimed at providing a consistent, lie-flat experience across its global network from Singapore Changi Airport.
The retirement of the Boeing 737-800 signifies a major evolution in Singapore Airlines’ fleet. These aircraft, inherited from SilkAir during the 2021 merger, were the last to feature older recliner-style seats in Business Class. Their exit ensures that every Singapore Airlines flight—from short hops to Kuala Lumpur to ultra-long-hauls to New York JFK—now offers a fully flat-bed experience.
Singapore Airlines Flat-Bed Business Class Fleet
The airline’s pursuit of this milestone dates back to 2018, when it first introduced its Regional Business Class on the Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350 Medium Haul. However, delays caused by the Boeing 737 MAX grounding forced SIA to continue operating the 737-800s longer than planned. With those aircraft now retired, SIA joins an elite group of global carriers offering a consistent flat-bed Business Class on every aircraft type, according to Mainly Miles.
Joining the Flat-Bed Elite
Singapore Airlines now stands alongside a select few carriers worldwide that have achieved full flat-bed consistency in Business Class. Others include:
- Starlux Airlines (JX): Flat-bed seats across its entire narrow-body and wide-body fleet.
- Virgin Atlantic (VS): 100% flat-bed configuration across all long-haul aircraft.
- JetBlue (B6): Its “Mint” product offers lie-flat seats on select transcontinental routes.
- La Compagnie (B0): All-Business-Class transatlantic flights with fully flat seating.
- BeOnd (B4): All-flat-bed Business Class on narrow-body jets connecting the Maldives with Europe.
- Air Tahiti Nui (TN): Flat-bed Business Class on all four Boeing 787s.
In the Asia-Pacific region, this consistency sets SIA apart. Rivals such as Cathay Pacific (CX) and ANA (NH) still operate some short-haul or regional aircraft with recliner-style seats in Business Class.
Why This Matters for Passengers
The shift benefits not only Business Class travelers but also those in Economy and Premium Economy. The retired 737-800s lacked seat-back in-flight entertainment (IFE) and Wi-Fi, meaning passengers on shorter routes often missed out on SIA’s hallmark service standards.
Now, every Singapore Airlines flight offers: HD seat-back IFE screens ranging from 10 to 32 inches, depending on aircraft and class. Free Wi-Fi connectivity for all passengers, with unlimited access for KrisFlyer members.
Even on regional routes like Singapore–Phuket or Singapore–Kathmandu, travelers can expect consistent connectivity, comfort, and entertainment.
The Four Business Class Seat Types
SIA’s flat-bed Business Class now spans four main designs, each tailored to specific aircraft types and route lengths.
MAX RJ: Boeing 737-8 MAX
Introduced in 2021, this cabin design brought long-haul comfort to shorter routes. The Thompson Aero Vantage seats recline to a fully flat 76-inch bed and are arranged in a mixed 2-2 / 1-1 / 2-2 layout. Passengers flying to destinations like Cebu, Da Nang, Busan, or Siem Reap will find this product exclusively on the narrow-body fleet. Despite limited aisle access for some window seats, the MAX RJ represents a major upgrade over the older SilkAir recliners, delivering a more premium regional experience.
2018 RJ: Airbus A350 Medium Haul and Boeing 787-10
This Stelia Aerospace Symphony seat, introduced in 2018, marked the start of SIA’s uniform Business Class strategy. The 1-2-1 configuration ensures direct aisle access for all passengers, with 76-inch beds and adjustable armrests expanding seat width to 26 inches. These aircraft serve routes such as Bangkok, Adelaide, Seoul, Perth, and Osaka—bringing near long-haul comfort to regional flights.
2017 J: Airbus A380
The 2017 Business Class, designed by Jamco, is exclusive to the Airbus A380 fleet. The upper deck houses 78 seats in a 1-2-1 layout, with some centre pairs combining to form a “double bed.” This product serves routes including London, Sydney, Frankfurt, and Mumbai. Transformation to bed mode is now seamless, achieved with a simple recline rather than flipping the seat—a marked improvement over the 2013 design.
2013 J: Airbus A350 Long Haul, Airbus A350 ULR, Boeing 777-300ER
Despite being the oldest in SIA’s lineup, the 2013 Jamco Business Class seat remains popular for its generous 28-inch width and 78-inch bed length. Found on long-haul routes to New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Zurich, and Amsterdam, it remains the backbone of SIA’s premium service. Although it requires the seatback to flip over to enter bed mode—a slightly dated process—it continues to deliver comfort and privacy on extended flights.
What Comes Next: The 2026 Business Class
Singapore Airlines’ all-flat-bed achievement isn’t the endpoint. The carrier has confirmed its next-generation “2026 J” Business Class product will debut in the first half of 2026 on retrofitted Airbus A350 Long Haul aircraft, followed by A350 ULR refits in 2027 and the upcoming Boeing 777-9.
Expected features include: Privacy doors, transforming each seat into a mini-suite. Wireless and USB-C charging options. Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones. Larger, high-resolution IFE screens with upgraded KrisWorld interface. Enhanced dining and amenity upgrades across all cabins.
This rollout will gradually phase out the 2013 J product, ensuring that the next era of Singapore Airlines Business Class matches or exceeds the world’s best standards.
A New Standard for Consistency
From 45-minute hops to marathon ultra-long-hauls, every Singapore Airlines passenger in Business Class now enjoys the same core luxury: a fully flat bed. The milestone marks a shift in the carrier’s competitive positioning—no more seat type guesswork, no more “recliner holdouts.”
For passengers, it means predictability, comfort, and the assurance that every journey—from Singapore to anywhere on the map—meets the same premium benchmark. Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
