SWISS Unveils A350-900s: New Cabins Await

In late 2022, SWISS threw its hat in the ring, declaring its intentions to welcome some shiny Airbus A350s into its fleet. Fast forward a bit, and they’ve let slip the starting dates for deliveries, as well as the first long haul destination. And get this – they’ve just dropped another gem! The plane’s set for some European jaunts, as they get the crew used to the new bird. Fancy that!

SWISS Adding At Least 10 Airbus A350s to the Fleet

SWISS currently showcases a decent collection of Boeing 777-300ERs, Airbus A330-300s, and Airbus A340-300s. As part of the Lufthansa Group, they let the big bosses place a bulk order, which then they divvy up as they see fit. Efficient, right?

Now, the Lufthansa Group is sitting on a pile of orders for dozens of A350-900s and Boeing 787-9s. The plan is, of course, to split them up between Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian. For SWISS, we’re looking at 10 of those A350-900 beauties. First five jets are expected between fall 2025 and end of 2027, and the rest trickle in by late 2031. It’s a bit of a dawdle if you ask me; under two planes a year!

Those first A350s will wave farewell to the aging Airbus A340-300s. Then it’s the older A330-300s in the crosshairs. Still, the A330-300s and 777-300ERs remain cozy within SWISS’ hangars for the foreseeable. The A350 itself? An absolute darling, soaring far, sipping less, and upping the ante for passenger pampering.

As for the rest of the Lufthansa lineup, Austrian is getting its paws on some Boeing 787s, while Lufthansa keeps the mix alive with both A350s and 787s. Hold onto your hats – more A350s might be headed SWISS’ way once the orders start getting shuffled again.

Inside Scoop: A350’s Arrival Cinematics

SWISS dropped a sneak preview video of the A350, and it’s a polished piece of work, full of subtle cues. One such hint? An alarm rings at 3:40AM. A cheeky nod to the A340 perhaps?

SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger’s Take:

“Our new Airbus A350s will make our fleet even more modern. This is a major investment, and a vital one to ensure that we continue to meet our customers’ high expectations. With these advanced twinjets and their innovative cabins, we’re bringing our long-haul aircraft fleet up to a totally new level of modernity, sustainability, and inflight comfort for our guests.”

SWISS Taking Delivery of First A350 in October 2025

We’re just on the brink of SWISS’ first Airbus A350-900 touchdown. October 2025, mark it on your calendars! Initially, these aircraft will flit around Europe, helping crews get used to the new ride.

From late October to late December 2025, expect to spot these planes zipping between Zurich and Prague most frequently. SPOTTED! Occasionally, you’ll see them on routes to Hannover, Dusseldorf, and Palma de Mallorca. Keep an eye out for “SWISS Senses” on your flight details.

Who’d have thunk it? Prague as the A350 crew familiarization hub! Though, I suspect lack of available parking spaces at busier spots played a role in that decision.

A gentle word of caution – those intra-Europe flights with the A350 are rather fluid in the schedule department. Don’t bend over backward to hop on one, but if you happen to catch it, you’re in for a treat compared to the usual smattering of European flights.

Then, the A350 makes its grand long haul debut on Jan 1, 2026, jetting off between Zurich and Boston. Makes sense to launch with Boston, considering a single aircraft can easily manage a daily schedule.

A350s Will Feature New SWISS Senses Cabins

The Lufthansa Group is having a bit of a cabin makeover. Their Allegris cabins sprinkle a dash of luxury with a revamped first and business class. But that’s not all; SWISS has its own plans. Brace yourselves for SWISS Senses – cabins infused with SWISS branding flair.

This mirrors the Lufthansa offering, bringing you enclosed first-class suites with doors for privacy. And, in a twist of modern design – a peculiar double suite in the center, ticking the boxes of innovation with a “triple suite” concept trying to turn heads.

The SWISS revamp extends into business class too, sliding into a staggered yet customized configuration. Familiar? It’s the same luxury lounge Lufthansa teased us with back in 2017.

These upgrades are likely going to replace SWISS’ current offerings across various aircraft, but oh, we do love a rollout mystery, don’t we?

SWISS A350s Will Have 242 Seats in Four Cabins

Here comes the seating shuffle. SWISS’ A350s will dole out a comfy 242-seat package. Let’s break it down:

• Three first-class suites, with the center suite holding double the charm (literally!)
• 45 business class seats
• 38 seats in premium economy
• 156 economy class seats

The premium economy cabin? Beefier than anything else in their fleet. And SWISS, always proud, is the only airline sticking first class into every long-haul plane.

Yet, I’m a little thrown here:

• SWISS loves to boast about their first-class demand, but with just one row now, they’re slicing that luxury capacity down by a hefty percent!
• Oh, the poor business class patrons. Two lavatories for 45 seats – a squeeze, indeed!
• Meanwhile, two rows of economy sneak in right after premium economy. Who’d have thought?
• In general, it’s a posh layout when you compare to roughly 300 seats in an A350-900 from other carriers.

Bottom Line

SWISS’ acquisition of at least 10 Airbus A350s means subtle but significant changes between fall 2025 and end of 2031. The inaugural plane lands in October 2025, hopping onto European routes for familiarization come early 2026. First long haul? Zurich to Boston – a perfect match.

These planes, part of Lufthansa Group’s grand scheme, shuffle out the A340s and get spruced up under the SWISS Senses initiative, offering classier seats with a luxurious twist.

We know they’re planning an exclusive seating arrangement that drops first-class rows, expands premium economy, and tweaks the business class divisor (to the chagrin of the priority queue). Still, exciting times are ahead!

Ready to see SWISS glide into the future with Airbus A350s? While you dream of that new cabin feel, why not check out a Val Seny ski resort for a getaway?