Keeping entertained on Singapore Airlines’ long-haul services will be easier than ever with its next-generation KrisWorld in-flight entertainment product.
The upgraded IFE, which is the latest feature to be revealed by SIA in its ongoing product development program, is designed to give passengers more choice, control and flexibility.
Among the developments are 4K high-resolution touchscreen displays, including OLED screens on selected aircraft and cabin classes, with spatial audio, active noise-cancellation headphones, Bluetooth pairing for personal headphones, a redesigned user interface, a new wellness planner, personalisation features and more than 2500 entertainment options.
The new KrisWorld will be launched on 41 retrofitted Airbus A350-900 long-haul and A350-900 ultra-long-range aircraft, entering service progressively from 2027, as well as new Boeing 777-9s.
In addition, Starlink high-speed connectivity, to be introduced progressively from early 2027 on SIA’s Airbus A380s, A350-900s and A350-900ULRs, will allow passengers to stream video, keep up to date with their social media, game and work on their personal devices.
The IFE technology enhancements mean a more immersive visual and audio experience, with sharper visuals and richer, more dimensional sound with greater depth and clarity, the airline says.
First Class cabins will feature 32-inch 4K high-resolution touchscreens, while Business Class displays will measure up to 22 inches. On the 777-9s, Premium Economy Class cabins will have 4K high-resolution touchscreens of up to 16 inches, while Economy Class screens will be up to 13 inches. OLED displays will be available on selected aircraft.
First Class passengers will be provided with Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth wireless ANC headphones. Business Class and Premium Economy passengers will also have ANC headphones, with wired earphones in Economy Class. Passengers will also be able to pair their own compatible Bluetooth headphones with KrisWorld.
A redesigned interface with clearer menus, larger icons and improved search and filter functions will allow passengers to find content more quickly and easily, according to the airline.
The upgraded system also includes a new mini player, allowing passengers to continue watching a video in a smaller window while browsing other content. Passengers will also be able to create shortcuts to preferred media categories, while a sidebar will display real-time flight information without interrupting viewing.
More than 2500 entertainment options, including the latest Hollywood titles, award-winning international cinema, regional favourites, full-season television box sets, music and podcasts should be enough to keep anyone entertained, with content refreshed monthly. A new wellness planner features sleep and meditation tracks, videos on breathing exercises and light in-seat stretches, and healthy living articles.
On the retrofitted A350-900 long-haul, A350-900ULR and 777-9 aircraft, First Class and Business Class passengers will be able to save their preferred seat positions for future flights, while First Class passengers can also save their personal lighting preferences.
KrisFlyer members will be able to receive tailored recommendations, resume programs from a previous flight and save favourite titles for future journeys.
SIA has always been an innovator when it comes to keeping its passengers entertained onboard. It first launched KrisWorld in 1995, with the system and its capabilities subsequently upgraded in line with technology developments on the ground.
In 1997, SIA was the first airline in the world to offer audio and video on demand across its fleet, allowing passengers in its premium cabins to watch and listen to video and audio programming at any time during the flight, choosing from 15 movies, 20 short films and around 50 CDs.
It was also a pioneer in IFE personalisation, with its companion app on selected aircraft in 2016 allowing passengers to control the IFE screen using their personal devices, browse IFE in advance and build favourites lists. It was also an early pioneer of satcom telephony, the first to offer in-flight fax, and one of the first to offer unlimited, complimentary wi-fi.
The enhanced KrisWorld and high-speed connectivity are the latest stage in SIA’s product upgrade, which has already seen refreshed dining options, new amenities and enhanced on-ground services. The long-awaited next stage reveal will be SIA’s new long-haul cabin products in November.
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