"Beginning of a new era": Swiss receives first Airbus A350

Swiss' first Airbus A350 landed at Zurich Airport today, Thursday. Three pilots ferried the brand-new aircraft with the Swiss registration number "HB-IFA" directly from the Airbus factories in Toulouse. It touched down on the runway at 3.25 p.m. and docked at its home base for the first time shortly afterwards. The aircraft wears the special "Wanderlust" livery, a colorful tribute to the diversity of Switzerland.

"Today is a great day for us," says Swiss CEO Jens Fehlinger. "The A350 marks the start of a new generation of long-haul flying for Swiss passengers. This aircraft stands for everything we want to be in the future: efficient, modern and clearly positioned as a premium airline, from Switzerland and for Switzerland."

The A350 is considered the most modern wide-body aircraft in the world. Thanks to economical engines and improved aerodynamics, it consumes around a quarter less fuel than previous models and emits correspondingly less CO₂. It is significantly quieter and enables a lower cabin pressure altitude and higher humidity during the flight, which noticeably increases travel comfort. Ten Airbus A350s are set to join the Swiss fleet by 2031.

Heike Birlenbach, Swiss Chief Commercial Officer, adds: "With Swiss Senses, we are bringing a new understanding of comfort and quality into the air. Our guests experience more space, peace and quiet and a personalized travel experience - from the light to the seats to the service on board."

The first passenger flight is planned for October 25, 2025 from Zurich to Palma de Mallorca. The first long-haul flight is scheduled to take off for Boston on November 20, 2025. There, passengers will experience the new cabin interior for the first time in combination with the recently expanded long-haul service.