Swiss International Unveils First Class Long-Haul A330 and 777 Cabin Interiors: SWISS Senses

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is introducing a new and more personalised long-haul experience, which CEO Dieter Vranckx describes as “the most comprehensive cabin renewal in the history of our company”.

Named ‘SWISS Senses’, the programme involves retrofitting redesigned cabins across all classes on the airline’s long-haul aircraft fleet from 2025 onwards (A330-300s followed by 777-300ERs), and line-fitting the cabins on the new A350-900s joining the fleet.

Starting at the front of the aircraft, the airline is not just retaining first class, but upgrading the experience to four private suites with 1.8m-high walls and sliding doors. In-suite comforts will include a 77cm-wide seat, 2.4 sq.m of footspace, an ottoman for companion dining, a spacious personal wardrobe, a large table, seat heating and cooling, a wireless charging station and a 27in IFE display that stretches across the width of the space.

The centre first-class suite can be configured to suit two persons travelling together and features a 116cm double seat width, 3.4 sq.m of space and a 43in 4K IFE display.

The trim and finish scheme is inspired by the thermal spring and hotel complex in Vals, located in Switzerland’s Canton Graubünden. The feel of the famous site is translated into the cabin through a slate-black exterior for the suite, and a green interior that alludes to the spring’s fresh and cooling water, complemented with wood trim.

A spacious new washroom has also been developed for the new SWISS First cabin.

SWISS worked with the PriestmanGoode studio on the new first class, premium economy and economy cabin designs, following a brief of “warm minimalism”. Daniel MacInnes, director of PriestmanGoode explained: “Working with the SWISS team we built a look and feel that was inspired by the country’s DNA, especially from the natural landscape, but also from the heritage in design and architecture and this helps define the new SWISS Senses cabins”. Particular influences were Swiss architects such as Le Courbusier and Peter Zumthor.

In the first-class cabin, the scheme is seen in the warmth of natural oak in the doors, burgundy in the high-quality materials, and indirect lighting, all of which are intended to contribute to an atmosphere that feels inviting and calm.