Singapore Airlines unveils luxury first class suites

Singapore Airlines has unveiled the $1.2 billion upgrade of its A380s, featuring new luxury first-class suites with a double bed.

The new cabin products were displayed for the first time at a media launch yesterday, as the under-pressure airline bets on demand for luxury travel.

They will enter service next month on the Singapore-Sydney route, in the first of five new A380 aircraft entering the fleet.

Work will also take place on 14 existing aircraft. Singapore flies an A380 to Auckland during the summer peak.

The six suites are in the front cabin of the upper deck. Behind the "artistically designed" sliding door is a "personal oasis" complete with lavish furnishing and finishes, says the airline.

Each suite has a separate full-flat bed with adjustable recline and plush leather chair.

"For couples travelling together, the beds in the first two suites of each aisle can be converted to form a double bed."

Each suite also has a 32-inch full HD monitor, among other luxury touches.

A Singapore-Sydney flight in the new suite costs S$8400 ($8930) per person.

The new A380s will have 471 seats in four classes, with six suites and 78 business class seats on the upper deck, and 44 premium economy and 343 economy seats on the main deck.

Singapore Airlines posted a net loss in the quarter ended March, but rebounded to a $249m profit in the three months ended June. The airline has implemented a review of its operations and warned jobs could go.