Swiss International Air Lines has officially taken delivery of its first
Airbus A350-900, signalling a major step forward in the carrier’s fleet renewal programme. The aircraft was handed over in Toulouse on 10 October and is the first of 10 A350-900s ordered by the airline, which is part of the Lufthansa Group. The new widebody is set to become the flagship of SWISS’s long-haul operations, with initial deployment planned on routes from Zurich to destinations such as Boston.
The A350-900 introduces the new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin concept to the airline’s intercontinental fleet, offering what the company describes as “a more personal and comfortable air travel experience” across all seating classes. The cabin is laid out in a four-class configuration, featuring three First Class suites accommodating up to four seats each, 45 seats in Business Class, 38 in Premium Economy, and 156 in Economy.
Airbus describes the A350 as “the world’s most modern widebody aircraft”, highlighting its advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and new-generation engines. These features contribute to a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, operating costs, and CO
2 emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. The A350 also incorporates the Airspace cabin design, which includes wider seats, higher ceilings, and ambient lighting aimed at enhancing passenger comfort.
In terms of sustainability, the aircraft is capable of operating with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability across its fleet by 2030. As of the end of September 2025, Airbus had secured over 1,400 orders for the A350 from 63 customers worldwide, underscoring the model’s strong market performance and growing role in global fleet modernisation efforts.