Singapore Airlines to Upgrade KrisWorld Entertainment System from 2027, With Bigger Screens and New Features

Singapore Airlines will roll out a next-generation KrisWorld system from 2027, featuring 4K OLED screens up to 32 inches, Bluetooth headphone pairing, spatial audio, and Starlink Wi-Fi across its retrofitted A350s and new Boeing 777-9 fleet.

News source: Google /   https://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Singapore Airlines is preparing a major overhaul of its in-flight entertainment experience, with the next-generation KrisWorld system set to debut on 41 retrofitted Airbus A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range aircraft from 2027, as well as its upcoming Boeing 777-9 jets. The upgrade represents one of the most significant investments in cabin technology in the airline's history, with the A350 retrofit programme alone valued at approximately S$1.1 billion.

Bigger, Sharper Screens across Cabins

The new KrisWorld system brings 4K high-resolution touchscreens to every cabin, with OLED displays available in selected premium cabins. On the Boeing 777-9, First Class passengers will receive 32-inch screens, Business Class will get 20-inch displays, Premium Economy screens will measure up to 16 inches, and Economy screens will be up to 13 inches. For the retrofitted A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft, First Class will feature 32-inch 4K OLED screens, while Business Class will receive 22-inch 4K OLED displays. The long-haul A350-900 variant will offer Business Class passengers the same 22-inch OLED screens.

Bluetooth and Spatial Audio

For the first time, passengers will be able to pair their personal Bluetooth headphones directly with the KrisWorld system. On the Boeing 777-9, this feature will be available in every cabin. On the retrofitted A350s, it will be limited to Business Class on the long-haul variant and First and Business Class on the ultra-long-range aircraft. Singapore Airlines is also upgrading its provided headphones. First Class passengers will receive Bang & Olufsen wireless Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation, while Business and Premium Economy passengers will get noise-cancelling headsets. Economy passengers will receive wired earphones.

The system will also feature spatial audio, designed to create a more three-dimensional sound experience across all cabins.

A Redesigned Interface and Personalization

Beyond the hardware, KrisWorld is getting a completely redesigned user interface with larger icons, improved search functions, and a new mini-player that allows passengers to continue watching a film while browsing for other content. An on-screen sidebar will display real-time flight information without interrupting video playback. Passengers who log in with their KrisFlyer accounts will unlock personalised recommendations, the ability to save favourite titles, and the option to resume programmes from where they left off on previous flights. First Class and Business Class passengers on the retrofitted A350s and Boeing 777-9 will also be able to save their preferred seat positions for different activities such as dining, relaxing, and sleeping. First Class passengers can even save their lighting preferences for future flights. A new wellness planner will offer sleep and meditation audio, breathing exercise videos, light in-seat stretches, and articles on healthy living.

Starlink Connectivity from Early 2027

Singapore Airlines will also begin introducing Starlink's satellite-based broadband service on its Airbus A380, A350-900 long-haul, and A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft from early 2027. The upgraded connectivity will support video streaming, social media, gaming, and work on passengers' personal devices.

Suites, First Class, and Business Class passengers, as well as PPS Club and KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy and Economy, will continue to receive unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi on Starlink-equipped aircraft.

The Fine Print

Passengers in Premium Economy and Economy on the retrofitted A350s will not receive the full hardware upgrade. Their seats will be "refreshed" with new upholstery, but they will retain the existing screens and will not have access to Bluetooth connectivity or USB-C charging ports. The Boeing 777-9, however, will offer USB-C charging and Bluetooth across all cabins.

What's Next?

The first retrofitted A350-900 long-haul aircraft is expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2027, pending regulatory approval. The Boeing 777-9 deliveries are expected in 2027, though the programme has faced repeated delays.

Here is the question The Silicon Review raises. Singapore Airlines is spending over a billion dollars to give premium passengers 32-inch OLED screens and Bluetooth audio, while economy passengers on the same retrofitted aircraft get new seat covers and nothing else. When an airline's "next-generation" entertainment system is next-generation only for the people at the front of the plane, is that innovation or just a new way to sell the same cabin divide?

FAQ:

Q: When will Singapore Airlines' new KrisWorld system launch?
A: The next-generation KrisWorld will debut on retrofitted Airbus A350-900 aircraft from 2027, with the first aircraft entering service in the first quarter of 2027.

Q: What are the screen sizes on the new KrisWorld system?
A: On the Boeing 777-9, First Class gets 32-inch screens, Business gets 20-inch, Premium Economy up to 16-inch, and Economy up to 13-inch. On the retrofitted A350-900ULR, First Class gets 32-inch 4K OLED and Business gets 22-inch 4K OLED.

Q: Does the new KrisWorld support Bluetooth headphones?
A: Yes. Passengers can pair their own Bluetooth headphones. On the Boeing 777-9, this works in all cabins. On the retrofitted A350s, it is limited to Business Class on the long-haul variant and First and Business Class on the ultra-long-range aircraft.

Q: Will Starlink Wi-Fi be available on Singapore Airlines?
A: Yes. Starlink will roll out from early 2027 on the A380, A350-900 long-haul, and A350-900ULR aircraft, with free unlimited Wi-Fi for premium cabin passengers and KrisFlyer members in Premium Economy and Economy.

Q: Do Economy passengers on the retrofitted A350s get the new screens?
A: No. Premium Economy and Economy passengers on the retrofitted A350s will retain the existing screens and will not receive Bluetooth or USB-C charging. Only their seats will be refreshed with new upholstery.