SWISS Welcomes Its First Airbus A350, “Lausanne”

‍ZURICH — SWISS International Airlines (LX), the flag carrier of Switzerland, welcomed its first Airbus A350, named Lausanne, along with guests and media at Zurich International Airport (ZRH). This marks the arrival of the first of 10 Airbus A350s ordered back in 2022.

The aircraft, registered as HB-IFA, took off from Airbus’s factory in Toulouse (TLS) around 12:55 CEST. Before landing in ZRH, it made several passes over the famous Matterhorn, accompanied by Swiss Air Force F/A-18s, finally touching down at 15:25.

SWISS' A350

The Airbus A350s of LX follow the HB-IF series, beginning with HB-IFA for their first A350. The event, attended by Airways, turned heads with the brand-new ‘Wanderlust’ livery, which is a striking and lively homage to Switzerland in all its finery and diversity.

This aircraft also debuts the ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin, featuring a four-class configuration: First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The interiors will be officially revealed during the aircraft’s christening ceremony next week.

The cabin promises a unique passenger experience with greater comfort and a genuinely premium standard of air travel, in line with today’s highest expectations.

Comments from SWISS CCO

Airways had the opportunity to speak with Heike Birlenbach, the Chief Commercial Officer for LX, who expressed her excitement about welcoming the brand-new aircraft. “I am particularly looking forward to the new cabin interior for our guests. This is the next step what we can offer with premium appearance inside in all classes from Economy to First Class.”, she commented.

Birlenbach also added that the first intercontinental destination for the A350 will be Boston (BOS), starting November 20. This will be followed by Montreal (YUL), beginning early next year.

Before the intercontinental flights, LX will operate intra-European flights to allow its pilots to complete their practical training on the new twinjet. The first A350 revenue passenger flight has been scheduled from ZRH to Palma de Mallorca (PMI) on 25^th October.

As the team welcomed the first A350, Birlenbach added that the second aircraft is expected in early 2026. “At the beginning of 2026, the second aircraft will arrive. There will be three more coming in the next year, and we will expect another 5 at a later stage.”

Speaking further with the captain of the delivery flight, Oliver von Arx, he expressed his delight in welcoming the A350 to the fleet and described how exciting it was to fly over the Matterhorn before landing in Zurich.

The All-New Airbus A350

The Airbus A350 is one of the most advanced widebody aircraft, offering superior passenger comfort, enhanced efficiency, and reduced noise levels. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines that consume 25% less fuel and emit 25% less carbon dioxide than previous-generation aircraft.

The aircraft is manufactured with materials that are more resilient than traditional aluminum, allowing the aircraft to maintain lower cabin pressure and higher humidity levels during flight, providing passengers with a more comfortable travel experience.