High-speed internet, 4K screens: SIA's in-flight entertainment gets an upgrade from 2027

Those flying with Singapore Airlines (SIA) next year have a lot more to look forward to as the national carrier is set to introduce a range of upgrades to its in-flight entertainment. 

These include an enhanced KrisWorld entertainment system and high-speed connectivity on board, the airline announced on Thursday (Oct 22). 

The new system will be introduced on selected aircrafts progressively from 2027, including 41 retrofitted Airbus A350-900 long-haul and A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft, as well as SIA's upcoming Boeing 777-9. 

Specific features will vary depending on the aircraft and cabin class. 

4K high-resolution displays

For example, First Class passengers can look forward to 32-inch 4K high-resolution touchscreen displays, while those in Business Class will have screens up to 22 inches. 

Premium Economy Class cabins on Boeing 777-9 aircrafts will have smaller 4K screens of up to 16 inches, and for Economy Class, 13 inches. 

OLED displays will also be available on selected aircrafts. 

"The enhanced displays deliver sharper detail, higher contrast, and improved picture quality, helping customers enjoy movies, television shows, and other content with greater clarity and viewing comfort," said SIA. 

In addition to the improved displays, the upgraded KrisWorld system also features spatial audio technology, which provides greater depth and clarity to the listening experience. 

As for the audio experience, First Class passengers will be provided with Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth wireless headphones featuring active noise cancellation. 

Those flying in Business Class and Premium Economy Class will also receive noise-cancelling headphones, while Economy Class passengers will be offered wired earphones. 

Prefer using your own? The enhanced in-flight entertainment system is also Bluetooth-friendly, allowing passengers to pair their own compatible audio devices. 

Beyond these upgrades, SIA is making it easier for passengers to navigate the in-flight entertainment system. 

The revamped KrisWorld will feature a redesigned interface with clearer menus, larger icons, as well as improved search and filter functions. 

Other features include a new mini-player allowing passengers to continue watching a video in a smaller window while browsing other entertainment options. 

They will also be able to create shortcuts to preferred media categories, while a sidebar will display real-time flight information such as time to destination and weather conditions uninterrupted. 

For young travellers, a Kids' Mode function provides age-appropriate viewing with a curated selection of children's movies, television shows, and music, presented through a simplified interface. 

Over 2,500 titles refreshed monthly

Wondering what's there to watch? 

Over 2,500 entertainment options will be available, such as the latest Hollywood titles, award-winning international cinema, regional favourites, bingeable full-season television box sets, music and podcasts. 

These include content from Apple TV, BBC, CNA, HBO Max, iQiYI and Paramount+. 

Real-time news and sports are also available through BBC News and Sport 24 live television channels. 

According to SIA, the entertainment selections will be refreshed monthly and curated in response to customer feedback and viewing trends. 

New wellness features

Hoping to unwind on the flight? 

The upgraded KrisWorld system also features a new wellness planner — complete with content such as sleep and meditation tracks, videos about breathing exercises and light in-seat stretches, as well as healthy living articles. 

Additionally, it will offer guidance to support greater comfort on long-haul journeys. 

In First Class and Business Class, the system will give recommendations on seat positions and lightings, while beverage suggestions are given across all cabin classes. 

High-speed internet on board 

SIA is also progressively introducing Starlink's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based broadband service on selected aircrafts from early 2027. 

These include the Airbus A380, A350-900 long-haul, and A350-900ULR. 

The service will enable faster and smoother connectivity for passengers, giving them the freedom to use their own devices alongside KrisWorld to stream content, stay in touch, play games, or remain productive during the flight. 

And you won't have to worry about your device's battery running out either, with USB-C charging ports available on Boeing 777-9 and retrofitted A350-900 long-haul and ultra-long-range aircrafts. 

First Class and Business Class passengers on the selected aircrafts can also enjoy wireless charging pads. 

According to the airline, details of the high-speed connectivity plans for other SIA fleets will be shared when they have been confirmed. 

Those travelling in Suites, First Class, and Business Class, as well as selected flyers in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class (PPS Club and KrisFlyer members) can continue enjoying the airline's unlimited complimentary wi-fi on Starlink-enabled aircrafts. 

Preferences remembered

And if you're flying with SIA again in the future, you can pick up where you left off. 

Passengers in First Class and Business Class on retrofitted A350-900 long-haul, A350-900ULR and the Boeing 777-9 aircrafts can save their preferred seat positions for dining, relaxing, and sleeping for future flights. 

Those in First Class can also save their personal lighting preferences, allowing them to recreate their desired environment on subsequent journeys. 

By logging into the system using their KrisFlyer accounts, passengers can resume programmes they were watching, receive personalised entertainment recommendations and save their favourite titles for future journeys. 

They can also view connecting flight information, including gate and terminal, for their onward SIA flights departing from Singapore. 

Speaking on the upgrades, Yeoh Phee Teik, senior vice president for customer experience at SIA said: "Our customers told us they wanted more choice and flexibility in how they spend their time on board, as well as entertainment and connectivity that fit more naturally in their journey." 

He added that this feedback guided the development of SIA's "next generation" KrisWorld and connectivity offering, making it easier for passengers to discover and enjoy content, stay in touch with loved ones, and move seamlessly between entertainment and other activities during flights. 

In recent weeks, SIA also unveiled new in-flight amenities and refreshed dining menus.

The national carrier also earlier announced that its revamped First- and Business-Class seats will be showcased at an event on Nov 7.

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