Swiss has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, one of 10 due to be introduced by the Lufthansa Group carrier.
The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered aircraft (HB-IFA) will be deployed on routes from Zurich to destinations including Boston, set to commence in November.
But it will initially be flown on familiarisation sectors, with the first revenue flight operating to Palma de Mallorca on 25 October.
Swiss says European training flights will enable pilots to complete preparations for operating the type.
“This aircraft represents everything we aim to be moving forward – efficient, advanced, and clearly positioned as a premium airline, from Switzerland and for Switzerland,” says chief executive Jens Fehlinger.
“With the A350 we’re taking a huge leap forward, technologically, ecologically, and in terms of our passengers’ in-flight experience.”
The twinjet has been painted in a special livery – titled ‘Wanderlust’, blending landmarks and motifs of art, sports and traditions – reflecting its home country.
Swiss will bring in the 10 aircraft over the next six years, completing the renewal by 2031.
It says the twinjet is set to become its “flagship aircraft”, replacing its A340-300s.
Swiss’s A350 is configured with a four-class layout including three suites in the first-class cabin, plus 45 business-class, 38 premium-economy and 156 economy seats.
