In-flight cabins raise luxury flight stakes

Cabins with an upholstered leather seat nearly a metre wide that converts into a full-size flat bed are the latest luxury product to be introduced by an airline to entice first class flyers.

Launching the new cabins this week, Singapore Airlines said the seating was the most spacious to be offered by any commercial airline, which also offers a 23-inch LCD screen with USB ports which passengers will be able to use with new noise reducing headsets.

Other features of the cabin, which have been designed by fashion house Givenchy, are a vanity area and an in-seat storage space.

"This is by far our most important and comprehensive product and service development programme," said Bey Soo Khiang of Singapore Airlines.

He added: "The feedback and comments from our frequent flyers have given us invaluable insight to what customers want and perceive to be the inflight experience of the future."

The cabins are part of an overhaul of seating on the airline's business class and economy class, which now have larger full-flat beds and a larger 10.6-inch monitor respectively.

Travelling first-class to Singapore from London Heathrow currently costs £5326.50 return.