Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.
I recently enjoyed a wonderful holiday in Singapore. You can read my trip reports here:
Review: Singapore Airlines A350 Business Class (Singapore to Brussel)
Every time I step onboard a Singapore Airlines flight, I am reminded why the airline has earned its reputation as one of the most respected carriers in global aviation. On my recent Business Class journey aboard the Airbus A350 from Singapore to Brussels, that reputation once again proved well deserved. What continues to stand out is how complete Singapore Airlines’ overall Business Class product feels, combining impeccable service, excellent onboard dining, and a strong in-flight entertainment system. The airline excels in areas that few competitors manage to replicate consistently.
That said, the product is not flawless. The cushioning of the Business Class seat on the A350 is on the firmer side, and the angled sleeping position is not the most comfortable, particularly for side sleepers — unless you are able to secure one of the bulkhead seats, which feature seat-wide ottomans. Singapore Airlines is clearly aware of this feedback and is already looking ahead. The airline has confirmed that a new-generation Business Class seat will debut next year. While it was originally planned for the Boeing 777X, the new seat will now be introduced first on the Airbus A350. In the meantime, the current A350 Business Class remains a compelling and highly competitive option for long-haul travel.
Have you ever flown in Singapore Airlines’ Business Class? If so, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments.
Flight details:
- Trip: Singapore (SIN) to Brussels (BRU)
- Airline: Singapore Airlines
- Class: Business Class
- Seat: 12A
- Aircraft type: Airbus A350-900
- Aircraft registration number: 9V-SMC (built in 2016)
- On time departure: Yes (12:05 am)
- On time arrival: Yes (7 am)
- Miles: 6.560 miles (10.560 kilometers)
- Flight time: 13 hours
This review takes a closer look at every aspect of the experience, from the pre-departure lounge at Singapore Changi Airport to onboard comfort, dining, connectivity, and—most importantly—the service that continues to define the Singapore Airlines brand. I also documented this long-haul flight in detail in my YouTube video, which you can watch below.
- SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport
- Singapore Airlines’ longhaul fleet
- Business Class cabin
- Business Class seat (+ best & worst seats)
- Amenities & bedding
- Meals
- Entertainment
- Onboard internet
- Other inflight experiences
- My verdict (score)
1. SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport is one of the world’s most awarded aviation hubs, combining scale, efficiency, and an unusually wide range of passenger facilities. Moving through the terminals is generally straightforward, thanks to clear signage and well-organized passenger flows, while the airport’s architecture incorporates greenery and natural light throughout. Features such as the Jewel complex and its Rain Vortex (world’s tallest indoor water fall) have become defining elements of the airport, and there is no shortage of distinctive spaces, from themed gardens to quieter areas designed for rest, which help soften what could otherwise feel like a purely functional environment.
For Business Class passengers flying Singapore Airlines, the experience continues at the SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 3. Located one level above the main concourse, the lounge is divided into two distinct sections, with a bar and staffed concierge desk positioned between them. Both sections overlook the terminal below and offer views of the tarmac, adding a sense of openness to the space. One section is more seating-focused and tends to feel busier, featuring a high density of armchairs and high-top tables alongside a smaller buffet station. The second section feels noticeably more modern, with several separated large seating areas and a central dining zone serving as the focal point. This layout allows passengers to choose between a brief, more casual stop at the lounge or a longer, more relaxed pre-flight experience.
As expected from Singapore Airlines, the food and beverage offerings at the SilverKris Lounge are of a high standard and exceed what is typically found in a Business Class airport lounge. The main dining area features a large buffet with both hot and cold dishes (with Western and Asian options) and is flanked on both sides by dedicated noodle and pasta stations. A comprehensive beverage counter offers premium spirits, wines, and champagne, while a well-stocked salad bar and dessert station complete the selection. The smaller buffet in the quieter lounge section provides a more limited range, focusing primarily on light bites.
Beyond dining, the lounge offers several practical amenities, including a staffed concierge desk to assist with flight-related requests, as well as shower facilities and 14 private sleeping rooms. These additional features enhance the overall lounge experience and make it particularly well suited for passengers with a long transit time or long-haul travelers seeking privacy and comfort before departure.
2. Singapore Airlines’ Longhaul Fleet
Singapore Airlines operates a fleet of 158 aircraft with an average age of just over eight years, reflecting a strong focus on modern, efficient airplanes across its network. For long-haul travel, the airline relies primarily on the Airbus A350, with 65 aircraft forming the backbone of its intercontinental operations, making Singapore Airlines the world’s largest operator of the type. These are complemented by 26 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which are among the youngest in the fleet and are typically deployed on long-distance routes with lower passenger demand.
On high-capacity routes, Singapore Airlines continues to operate 12 Airbus A380 aircraft and 27 Boeing 777 aircraft, both of which remain important for flagship intercontinental services. Singapore Airlines also holds a unique place in aviation history as the launch customer of the Airbus A380, underscoring its long-standing role in introducing new wide-body aircraft into commercial service. Regional flights are operated by its 21 Boeing 737 aircraft, while a small fleet of 7 Boeing 747 aircraft is dedicated exclusively to cargo operations and does not affect the passenger experience. Looking ahead, the airline has committed to the (delayed) Boeing 777X to further modernize its long-haul fleet.
3. Business Class Cabin
The Business Class cabin aboard Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 follows a staggered layout that provides direct aisle access for every passenger. In total, the cabin accommodates 42 forward-facing seats and is divided into two distinct sections, with a larger cabin located toward the front of the aircraft and a smaller one positioned further aft. Many travelers – including myself – prefer the rear cabin, which generally feels quieter and more secluded. Window seats are arranged individually, while the center seats are paired; however, a retractable divider between the middle seats allows passengers traveling alone to create additional privacy.
The cabin’s interior was designed by James Park Associates, the studio best known for its work on the iconic Orient Express trains. Their influence is reflected in the cabin’s refined, residential-inspired aesthetic, characterized by warm earth tones such as bronze, beige, and deep brown. Hand-finished leather surfaces are used throughout and are complemented by understated accent lighting. Soft, patterned cushions on each seat add a subtle touch of visual contrast against the darker upholstery. The absence of overhead storage above the center seats further enhances the sense of space, allowing the ceiling to feel noticeably higher and giving the entire Airbus A350 cabin a lighter, more open atmosphere.
4. Business Class Seat (+ Best & Worst Seats)
The Business Class seat installed on Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350 stands out for its generous proportions. At 71 cm (28 inches) wide, it ranks among the broadest Business Class seats currently in service, offering ample space to work, dine, or simply relax without feeling confined. Seat spacing is equally generous, and once the seat is converted into a bed, it extends to around 198 cm (78 inches), providing a sleeping surface long enough for most passengers to stretch out comfortably.
The seat is finished in premium Scottish leather and features firm, supportive padding. Despite having been designed before privacy doors became commonplace in Business Class cabins, it still delivers a strong sense of personal space. A tall, sculpted shell surrounds each seat, creating a cocoon-like environment, particularly at the window seats, which angle slightly toward the aircraft’s fuselage. In the center section, paired seats are fitted with an adjustable divider, allowing passengers to choose between privacy and interaction depending on whether they are traveling alone or with a companion.
Each seat is paired with a large 45 cm (18-inch) high-definition screen positioned directly in front of the passenger, ensuring comfortable viewing from any recline angle. Beneath the screen sits the ottoman, which functions as a footrest during the flight and becomes the base of the bed when fully extended. Passengers seated in the bulkhead rows benefit from a full-width, rectangular ottoman that significantly improves legroom, while the remaining seats feature a narrower footwell positioned to the side, which tapers toward the end.
Lighting and seat controls are intuitive and easy to use. Seat adjustments are managed via a control panel built into the aisle-side armrest, allowing passengers to select various recline positions smoothly. Preset modes include relaxed lounging and deeper recline options that work well for watching movies or resting. An individual reading light is integrated into the seat shell at eye level, providing focused illumination without spilling into neighboring seats.
Storage space is another strong aspect of this seat design. A wide side console next to the headrest easily accommodates larger items such as laptops or headphones, while a smaller enclosed compartment built into the side table provides secure storage for personal belongings like phones, glasses, or wallets. Two additional pockets near the entertainment screen offer convenient quick-access storage, although these are not available at the bulkhead seats. A large tray table slides out smoothly from the side console and is well suited for both dining and work, while a dedicated coat hook near the screen keeps jackets neatly stored throughout the flight.
When it is time to sleep, the seat converts into a fully flat bed using Singapore Airlines’ distinctive forward-folding mechanism. The backrest flips forward to reveal a dedicated sleeping surface topped with a mattress. As this process requires passengers to briefly stand up, most travelers choose to have the crew prepare the bed, which they are happy to do. For those who prioritize sleep, the bulkhead seats—located in the first rows of each Business Class cabin (rows 11 and 19)—are clearly the most desirable, as their full-width ottomans allow for a straight sleeping position with unrestricted legroom. In contrast, standard seats—such as my seat 12A—require sleeping at a slight angle due to the tapered footwell. While this arrangement works well for most back sleepers, side sleepers or those who prefer to lie completely straight may find the angled foot space uncomfortable. In addition, although the bed is long and supportive, the firmness of the sleeping surface may not appeal to everyone, and a thicker mattress topper would further enhance comfort.
What are the best Business Class seats on Singapore Airlines’ A350?
- Passengers traveling alone will generally be best served by the window seats, which provide greater seclusion and a more enveloping, private feel. Those flying together may prefer the center seats, where the side-by-side arrangement and adjustable divider make it easy to switch between privacy and conversation.
- The most sought-after seats in the cabin are located in rows 11 and 19, where the bulkhead configuration replaces the usual tapered footwell with a full-width ottoman. This design allows for more freedom of movement and results in a noticeably more comfortable sleeping position.
- For travelers seeking a quieter environment, rows 19 through 22 are also worth considering. These seats are situated in the smaller rear Business Class cabin, which feels more intimate and experiences less foot traffic, contributing to a calmer and more private atmosphere on long-haul flights.
What are the worst Business Class seats on Singapore Airlines’ A350?
- Seats located at the windows in row 17 and the center positions in row 18 are less desirable, as their proximity to the galley and lavatories often leads to additional noise and frequent movement from both crew and passengers.
- Row 22 is another section to approach with caution, since it sits directly ahead of the Premium Economy bassinet area, increasing the chances of nearby activity related to families traveling with infants.
5. Amenities & Bedding
In Business Class, Singapore Airlines does not routinely distribute a full amenity kit at each seat. Instead, a selection of basic comfort items is provided, including slippers, socks, and an eye mask, along with a pillow and duvet intended to support sleep on long-haul flights. Noise-canceling headphones are also available and help reduce cabin noise when using the KrisWorld entertainment system. The Business Class lavatories are stocked with everyday essentials such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, lotions, and toiletries from Payot, allowing passengers to freshen up during the journey.
On long-haul services, Business Class passengers may request an amenity kit, which is presented in a dark grey pouch. The kit contains travel-size products from Le Labo, including a facial mist, hand cream, and lip balm. While the availability of the kit depends on the route and supply, its inclusion adds a welcome touch of premium skincare for those who choose to request it.
6. Meals
Inflight dining remains one of the strongest components of the experience on Singapore Airlines, and the Business Class offering reflects a long-standing focus on quality, consistency, and careful execution. Rather than treating meals as a purely functional aspect of long-haul travel, the airline places clear emphasis on its culinary program, working closely with its International Culinary Panel to develop and refine menus across the network. This collaboration helps ensure a level of refinement and coherence that is rarely seen in Business Class.
On this Singapore–Brussels flight, I opted for Book the Cook, Singapore Airlines’ signature preorder service that allows Business Class passengers to select their main course in advance. The menu offers a wide range of options, from Singaporean classics such as laksa and chicken rice to Western dishes, lighter choices, and chef-designed specialties. My Book the Cook selection was well executed and demonstrated the clear advantage of preordering, with a dish that felt more composed and restaurant-like than standard inflight catering.
That said, while the overall quality of the food on this sector was excellent, I found the dining experience on the Singapore–Brussels flight to be slightly more varied than on the return. For example, satay—a signature Singapore Airlines appetizer—was not offered on this flight. This may well be linked to the very late departure time, as the service appeared intentionally streamlined to allow passengers to maximize sleep on what was a nearly 12-hour overnight journey.
For supper, I was served the following menu, with the main course selected from the Book the Cook offering
- Starter: marinated smoked salmon with capers, accompanied by a refreshing salad of celeriac, red apple, and Japanese cucumber.
- Main course: succulent lamb chops, seared and oven-roasted in a fragrant herb crust, served with silky garlic confit mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a delicate rosemary-infused lamb jus.
- Dessert: Milo Dinosaur cake, with layers of rich chocolate sponge, a creamy filling, and a topping of crunchy Milo crumbles.
Throughout the flight, snacks were available in the galley, and passengers could also order additional dishes from the menu on demand. I chose the Singapore-style carrot cake with prawns, a hearty and flavorful dish made from stir-fried savory radish and rice flour cake, complemented by prawns and pickled turnip.
Breakfast was served around 90 minutes before landing and included a selection of fresh fruit, flavored yogurt, cereal, and Bircher muesli. For the main course, I had preselected Lobster Thermidor from the Book the Cook menu. This classic French dish featured lobster meat cooked in a rich cream sauce with Cognac and Dijon mustard, enhanced with button mushrooms and fine herbs, before being returned to the shell, topped with grated cheese, and oven-browned to create a crisp, golden crust.
7. Entertainment
Entertainment onboard Singapore Airline is delivered through its proprietary KrisWorld system, which remains one of the most comprehensive inflight entertainment platforms currently available. Passengers have access to an extensive library covering everything from recent film releases and complete television series to documentaries, music, and games. Visual quality is excellent thanks to the large high-definition display, although interaction is handled exclusively via a handheld controller rather than directly on the screen. This controller is stored in a dedicated compartment above the side table, keeping it conveniently accessible while remaining neatly out of sight when not in use.
The variety of KrisWorld’s content selection is particularly impressive. The catalogue includes well over a thousand titles, spanning mainstream Hollywood productions, international cinema, full TV box sets, live news channels, podcasts, music albums, curated playlists, and interactive games. Content is refreshed regularly and curated with an international audience in mind, which helps ensure broad appeal across different age groups and cultural backgrounds. A useful companion feature is the SingaporeAir mobile app, which allows passengers to preview the entertainment selection before departure and create a personal watchlist. Once onboard, these saved choices sync automatically with the seat’s system, allowing viewing to begin immediately after takeoff.
One feature that is notably absent, however, is the availability of external camera views on the Airbus A350. Many airlines operating this aircraft type equip their planes with forward-facing and tail-mounted cameras, which are popular with aviation enthusiasts and can also provide reassurance to nervous flyers during takeoff, landing, or turbulence. Singapore Airlines has chosen not to include this functionality on its A350 fleet, and while this omission does not detract significantly from the overall quality of KrisWorld, it remains a small gap in an otherwise highly polished inflight entertainment experience.
8. Onboard Internet
All long-haul Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 aircraft are equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout the flight. Business Class travelers receive complimentary internet access for the entire journey, with usage intended for messaging, email, and general web browsing rather than bandwidth-heavy activities such as video streaming. In addition, members of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program are also eligible for free Wi-Fi, regardless of cabin, making connectivity more accessible to loyal customers.
Passengers who are not entitled to complimentary access can choose from several paid internet plans, ranging from basic messaging packages to full-flight connectivity options. While speeds are naturally limited at cruising altitude, performance is generally stable and sufficient for everyday online tasks, allowing travelers to remain connected while in the air without major interruptions.
9. Other Inflight Experiences
# Crew
Service onboard this flight reflected exactly what travelers have come to expect from Singapore Airlines. The cabin crew struck an excellent balance between professionalism and warmth, delivering service that felt polished yet genuinely personal. From boarding through to arrival, interactions were handled with quiet attentiveness, with crew members anticipating needs without ever appearing intrusive. The overall impression was one of effortless hospitality, where comfort and care were clearly prioritized throughout the journey.
# Lavatory
Business Class passengers have access to three lavatories in total, with one situated at the front of the cabin near the cockpit and two located between the forward and rear Business Class sections. Throughout the flight, these facilities were kept in very good condition and were consistently replenished with a wide range of toiletries.
10. Final Thoughts & My Verdict
Singapore Airlines’ Business Class on the Airbus A350 remains a highly polished and well-balanced long-haul product that continues to appeal to discerning travelers. The experience excels in the areas that matter most on extended flights, including attentive yet unobtrusive service, consistently high-quality dining, a spacious and private seat, and one of the most comprehensive inflight entertainment systems in the industry. While the seat design shows its age in certain areas—particularly when it comes to sleeping comfort in non-bulkhead rows—it remains highly competitive in terms of space, privacy, and build quality. With a new-generation seat already on the horizon, the current A350 cabin represents a mature and well-understood product rather than an outdated one.
Bringing all elements of the journey together, here is my final verdict on Singapore Airlines’ A350 Business Class:
- Cabin design: 9/10
- Cabin layout: 9/10
- Seat privacy: 8/10
- Seat comfort (upright): 9/10
- Seat comfort (bed position): 7/10
- Food (quality): 8/10
- Food (quantity): 9/10
- Inflight entertainment: 8/10
- Wi-Fi: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Overall experience: very good – 8.4/10
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