SWISS announces the induction of a brand new Airbus A330-300 in India

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), the national carrier of Switzerland, today announced that it will introduce the new wide body Airbus 330-300 for their Mumbai to Zurich route starting 2nd September and from Delhi to Zurich starting 13th October 2009. The new long-haul Airbus A330-300 sets new standards of inflight comfort in all three seating classes. Substantially more legroom in Economy, an air-cushioned seat that can be turned into a two-metre lie-flat bed in Business and a “suite above the clouds” in First are the key features of the new cabin product. The new long-hauler also features a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system that offers a vast range of the latest movies in all three classes, along with over 40 TV channels and more than 300 music CDs.

India is among the first countries to receive the brand new A330-300 apart from New York and Dubai. Expressing SWISS’s commitment towards India, Dr Holger Hätty, Chief Commercial Officer, Swiss International Air Lines said, “We are committed to the Indian market and continuously strive to transform the in-flight experience for our customers by bringing world class comfort for them. The induction of the new aircraft on the Indian routes is an appreciation to our loyal Indian patrons.”

With a vision to modernize and expand its fleet, SWISS is investing over one Billion USD to add eleven new A330-300 aircraft to its network from 2009 – 2011. By 2011, SWISS aims to be the only airline in the world offering a First Class on all its long haul routes. Since 2004, SWISS has been investing to build new lounges, improve inflight products and services and raise the bar in hospitality, reliability and quality in every detail. In line with the true Swiss culture, passengers are treated with utmost personal care and made to feel totally “at home” on board its flights.

SWISS joined hands with Swiss market leader Lantal (a medium-sized Swiss-based company that is a global market leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of textiles for transport applications, with a particular focus on the international airline community) to induct a revolutionary air cushion technology in aircraft seats. The innovative air cushions allow the passenger to customise their seats to have the firmness of a futon or softness of a waterbed.

Moreover, the reduced weight of the seats due to the air cushions brings down the fuel consumption of the aircraft. To provide ultimate travel experience to Indian customers, the First Class and Business Class offers the two-meter long fully horizontal lie-flat beds for maximum comfort and more personal space.

First Class customers also enjoy the facility of an on board Ottoman – a large guest seat with backrest and armrest that allows them to hold meetings, work or dine with a companion. The improved in-flight entertainment facilities in Business Class offer large screens of 16:9 format and plugs for USB and iPod. Business Class seats are equipped with massage function.

The Economy Class will offer new comfortable seats with improved in-flight entertainment system for a relaxed flying experience.

SWISS currently offers 10 non-stop flights from India as part of its comprehensive network of 90 destinations in 42 countries. Its non-stop flights from India comprise five flights in a week connecting Mumbai to Zurich and Delhi to Zurich.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 25-Aug-09