Major Jet Purchase
Singapore Airlines Discusses Orders for Over 50 Large Jets, Including Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s
Singapore Airlines is in early talks with Airbus and Boeing to buy at least 50 of the aviation industry's largest jets, according to Reuters. The order, if finalized, would likely exceed US$10 billion and rank as one of the biggest capital commitments in the carrier's history.
The airline is weighing two options: Boeing's 777-9, which seats more than 400 passengers, or Airbus's A350-1000, a smaller but proven alternative. Discussions are at an early stage and could include options for dozens more aircraft beyond the initial 50.
Fleet Retirement and Boeing Delays Force SIA's Hand
Singapore Airlines currently operates 22 aging Boeing 777-300ERs, some more than 17 years old. Back in 2017, the airline ordered 31 Boeing 777-9s to replace them. But that plan has unraveled. Boeing's 777X program is now roughly seven years behind schedule, with the FAA signaling certification will likely slip into 2027, according to Airways Magazine.
The delays have already left a visible gap. Analysts at Mainly Miles noted that SIA's long-haul fleet will shrink for the first time since the pandemic, as a 777-300ER retires without an immediate replacement. To fill the gap in the meantime, SIA announced a S$1.1 billion retrofit of 41 Airbus A350-900s in November 2024, according to CNA.
Boeing vs. Airbus: A High-Stakes Choice for the 2030s
The two jets on the table are very different bets. The Boeing 777-9 lists at roughly US$442 million and can carry 426 passengers — critical for slot-constrained airports like London Heathrow. The Airbus A350-1000 lists at around US$366 million and seats 350 to 410 passengers. It is already flying with other airlines and available sooner, according to Reuters.
Analysts at AirInsight suggest SIA may be "double-hedging" — keeping Boeing in the running while leaning on Airbus if delivery guarantees fall short. The A350-1000 has an "8-10 year operational head start" over the 777X, according to aviation experts. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg faces pressure to secure a blue-chip customer to restore confidence in the troubled program.
Record Cash Reserves Back SIA's Growth Ambitions
Singapore Airlines posted record revenue of S$20.52 billion in its FY2025/26 results, a 5% rise year-over-year. Operating profit jumped 39% to S$2.37 billion. The airline holds S$7.9 billion in cash and bank balances, giving it the firepower for a major fleet expansion, according to SIA's group briefing documents cited by Reuters.
Chief Commercial Officer Lee Lik Hsin said in May 2026: "We are in a position where we don't need to cut capacity... our financial position is strong and therefore we are actually growing." Net profit did fall 57.4% to S$1.18 billion, largely due to one-off gains disappearing after last year's Air India-linked accounting items.
SIA Eyes Dominance as Regional Rivals Struggle to Recover
The timing is deliberate. Singapore has gained appeal as a transit hub for Asia-Europe travel as disruptions in the Middle East divert passengers away from Gulf carriers. SIA operates one of the world's youngest fleets, averaging just 8.2 years as of March 2026, according to Mainly Miles. These 50 jets are meant to protect that edge well into the 2030s.
The airline aims to outpace rivals like Cathay Pacific and a recovering Thai Airways. A firm order for 50 aircraft would signal that SIA is not waiting for the market to come to it. The deal would also retire the last of the twin-aisle A380 superjumbo era in favor of leaner, long-range twin-engine jets.
Sentiment
NeutralPublishers
4
Articles
2
Reach
4
