SWISS's first Airbus A350-900. Photo: SWISS PR SWISS marks another significant milestone in renewing its long-haul fleet.
The Swiss airline, part of the Lufthansa Group, which announced this week the resumption of its flights to Israel with wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, conducted yesterday (Wednesday) the historic maiden flight of its first Airbus A350-900.
The flight departed from the Airbus factories in Toulouse, France, and lasted several hours during which various aircraft systems were tested, from aerodynamics and steering to pressure, electronics, and air conditioning systems.
The aircraft, the first of ten expected to join the company's fleet by 2031, is equipped with the company's new passenger cabin: "SWISS Senses", featuring innovative and comprehensive designs across all service classes, with a special focus on a personal, intimate, and luxurious flight experience in first and business classes. Innovations include private suites, smart lighting, personal Bluetooth connectivity, and advanced entertainment systems. The first destination for its long-haul flights will be Boston, starting this coming winter.
Moreover, the aircraft offers significant environmental advantages, reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 25%, and noise levels by up to 50% compared to previous models.
The new aircraft also received an official name: 'Lausanne', after the Swiss city located on the shores of Lake Geneva, recognized as a global center for culture, business, and sport.
As we reported in Passportnews, the assembly of the aircraft and its painting took place over the past few months at the Airbus plants in Toulouse, including the installation of the new passenger cabin and its painting with the special "SWISS Wanderlust" external design, as a tribute to Switzerland's cultural diversity.
In parallel with the maiden flight, the aircraft recently underwent a series of extensive ground tests, including engine checks, steering and braking systems, and even a high-speed takeoff abort simulation.
Photo: SWISS