Swiss Takes Delivery of First Airbus A350-900 Flagship Jet
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), a member of the Lufthansa Group, has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, marking a major milestone in the carrier’s long-haul fleet modernization program. The delivery, completed on October 9, 2025, is the first of ten A350-900s that will gradually replace the airline’s aging Airbus A340-300 fleet, setting a new benchmark for efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in intercontinental travel.
The first Airbus A350, registered HB-IFA, arrived at Zurich Airport on Thursday, October 9, after departing from the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse earlier in the day. It touched down at 15:25 local time to a celebratory welcome from aviation enthusiasts and employees alike. The event symbolized not only the arrival of a new aircraft but also the start of a new chapter in SWISS’s history of long-haul excellence.
The new widebody will serve as SWISS’s flagship aircraft, operating on long-haul routes from Zurich to destinations such as Boston, Chicago, and Tokyo. Its arrival marks the beginning of a new era for the airline—one that combines next-generation technology with the refined hospitality and design synonymous with Swiss precision and style.
For the next few weeks SWISS will initially operate its first new Airbus A350 on short flights within Europe, to enable its pilots to complete their practical training on the new twinjet as efficiently as possible. The first A350 revenue passenger flight has been scheduled from Zurich to Palma de Mallorca on October 25. The new aircraft’s first long-haul service will be to Boston on November 20.
“Today is a great day for us,” says SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger. “With our Airbus A350, we’re transporting our customers into a new era of long-haul air travel. This aircraft represents everything we aim to be moving forward: efficient, advanced, and clearly positioned as a premium airline, from Switzerland and for Switzerland. With the A350 we’re taking a huge leap forward – technologically, ecologically, and in terms of our passengers’ inflight experience. It’s a very special thing to welcome a brand-new aircraft with a completely new cabin – something that will probably happen only once in anyone’s airline career. And it’s fascinating to see just how much progress and how much precision are embodied in this aircraft.”
“With our new SWISS Senses cabin, we’re bringing new levels of comfort and quality to the air travel world,” adds SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach. “For our guests this means more space, a more relaxing ambience, and a more individual air travel experience, from the light above the seat to the entire inflight service. Our new Airbus A350 stands for ‘premium’ as we understand it: modern, individual and hallmarked by a service that is attentive, personal and typically Swiss.”
The A350 Features the New SWISS Senses Cabin
At the heart of this milestone is the SWISS Senses cabin, a completely reimagined interior concept designed to elevate comfort, privacy, and elegance across all four travel classes. The layout includes three exclusive First-Class suites with fully closing doors, 45 lie-flat Business-Class seats, 38 Premium Economy seats, and 156 in Economy.
Each cabin is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a more personalized travel experience, featuring adjustable ambient lighting, next-generation entertainment systems, and high-speed in-flight connectivity. The design draws inspiration from Swiss aesthetics, blending natural wood textures, warm, neutral tones, and refined materials that evoke a sense of calm and sophistication.
From lighting that adapts to passengers’ circadian rhythms to ergonomically designed seating for every class, the SWISS Senses cabin embodies the airline’s philosophy of understated luxury—a perfect harmony of Swiss precision, comfort, and modern design.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com, swiss.com