Singapore Airlines is holding early-stage talks with Airbus and Boeing to buy at least 50 of the industry's largest long-haul jets, Reuters reported June 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The airline is considering Boeing's 777X, with about 400 seats, or the slightly smaller Airbus A350-1000 for this order [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Discussions may include options for dozens more jets beyond the initial 50, though no decisions have been announced [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said the carrier "regularly reviews fleet renewal plans" but declined to comment on any confidential talks [2]. Singapore Airlines is a longtime major buyer of long-haul aircraft known for carefully managing its negotiations [3, 4, 5]. It currently plans to grow its capacity over the next decade despite higher oil prices forcing some rivals to cut back [3, 4, 5].
Singapore Airlines is an early customer of Boeing’s 777X, which has faced delays, and is a longstanding operator of the 777 series [3, 4, 5]. The talks are also allowing Airbus to gauge demand for larger versions like the proposed A350-2000, although Airbus downplays any imminent launch of that model [3, 4, 5]. Boeing is cautiously revisiting studies for a larger plane following Emirates’ November 2025 777X order but notes limited jumbo jet demand and industrial recovery challenges [3, 4, 5].
Airbus and Boeing declined comment on the discussions, and Singapore Airlines also issued no detailed statement [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
On June 5, 2026, Reuters also reported that Australian carrier Qantas is considering an order of about 20 wide-body jets from Boeing or Airbus, unrelated but contemporaneous news [6, 7]. Qantas currently operates 128 jets and plans a fleet renewal targeting 200 aircraft. A Qantas spokesperson said the airline is in regular contact with manufacturers but has no announcements yet [7].
The talks between Singapore Airlines and the two manufacturers mark a significant development in airline fleet updates, with final agreements expected to emerge after detailed evaluations. Meanwhile, the rollout of the first adapted Airbus A350-1000ULR for Qantas’ Project Sunrise occurred June 2, 2026, underscoring activity in the long-haul wide-body market [7].
