SWISS’s First Airbus A350 Lands in Zurich, Marking a New Era for Airline
The first Airbus A350 for SWISS International Air Lines landed at its new home in Zurich on Thursday, arriving from the Airbus facility in Toulouse. The arrival of the modern, long-range twinjet marks a new chapter in the history of the Swiss airline.
The flight was operated by three SWISS pilots, and the landing took place at 15:25 hours, followed by the aircraft’s first docking at its main base. The brand-new aircraft features a special “Wanderlust” livery, a vibrant design that pays homage to the diversity and beauty of Switzerland.
From the airport viewing terrace, employees and aviation enthusiasts witnessed this historic moment, celebrating the addition of a model that will shape the company’s future.
“A New Era for SWISS”
“Today is a great day for us,” said Jens Fehlinger, CEO of SWISS. “With our Airbus A350, we are taking our customers into a new era of long-haul travel. This aircraft represents everything we want to be in the future: efficient, advanced, and firmly positioned as a premium airline, from Switzerland and for Switzerland.”
Fehlinger emphasized that the addition of the A350 signifies “a major technological, ecological, and onboard experience leap.” He further highlighted the importance of the moment: “Welcoming a completely new aircraft with a completely new cabin is something that probably happens only once in anyone’s career in aviation.”
For her part, Heike Birlenbach, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the improvements offered by the new “SWISS Senses” cabin: “We provide more space, a relaxing atmosphere, and a personalized experience, from individual lighting to onboard service. Our new Airbus A350 embodies what we mean by ‘premium’: modernity, attention to detail, and typically Swiss service.”
→ SWISS Unveils Its Exclusive First Grand Suite
More Efficient, Quieter, and Sustainable
The Airbus A350 is currently one of the most advanced wide-body aircraft in the world. Thanks to its highly efficient engines and optimized aerodynamics, it consumes approximately 25% less fuel than previous models, resulting in lower CO₂ emissions.
Furthermore, the A350 is significantly quieter, enhancing the experience for both passengers and communities near airports. It is built with composite materials that are stronger than traditional aluminum, allowing for lower cabin pressure altitudes and higher humidity levels, increasing comfort during flight.
SWISS plans to integrate a total of ten A350s into its fleet by 2031, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
Training and Initial Routes
In the coming weeks, SWISS will use its first A350 on short-haul flights within Europe, aiming for its pilots to complete practical training on the new model.
The first commercial passenger flight is scheduled for October 25th on the Zurich-Palma de Mallorca route. Subsequently, on November 20th, the A350 will operate its first long-haul service to Boston. This will also become the airline’s first flight to combine the new SWISS Senses cabin with the new long-haul onboard service.
The company developed this project in collaboration with the Lufthansa Group, optimizing certification processes and cabin design to ensure efficient integration.
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