Airlines Swiss welcomes its first Airbus A320neo

A delivery ceremony was held at Airbus´ Final Assembly Line in Hamburg-Finkenwerder, before the aircraft was ferried to Zürich Airport. The arrival was formally welcomed and named “Engelberg”. HB-JDA is the first of a total of 25 new A32neo aircraft that the carrier will receive over the next years.

The delivery represents Swiss´ progression on its fleet renewal programme. It underlines the airlines´ commitment to resource-friendly aircraft. With the latest aerodynamical advantages like Sharklets or new high-bypass engine, the A320neo consumes 20 percent les fuel than comparable aircraft of the older generation.

Swiss CEO Thomas Klühr commented: “Our new Airbus A320neo family aircraft will substantially further reduce the average age of the SWISS aircraft fleet [...] Once they are all delivered, our aircraft’s average age will be one of the youngest in Europe at around nine years. These billion-franc investments will further enhance our environmental credentials, too,” Klühr continued, “because operating an advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft fleet is one of the most effective means of all of reducing the ecological impact of aviation activities.”

Swiss will use the aircraft for short- and medium-haul routes throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The aircraft is capable of serving destinations 4,200 kilometres away. The flag-carrier has equipped the A320neos with 180 seats in Business and Economy Class.

Regarding the ceremony, Swiss wrote in a news release: "After arriving in Zurich, the latest member of the SWISS aircraft fleet was formally welcomed in the hangar area by a delegation of invitees from the political, business and media worlds, and was also named “Engelberg”. The naming was jointly performed by Alex Höchli, the mayor of the Central Swiss mountain resort, and Brother Meinrad Haberl of Engelberg Monastery."

The new aircraft are offering more travel comfort to both business class and economy passengers. The carrier uses seats from Italian manufacturer Geven, which have been designed for the A320neo Family. These new seats can be reclined to 20 degrees during the taxi, take-off and landing phases.

Swiss is the flag-carrier of Switzerland and the largest carrier in the country. The airline – previously flying under the “Swissair” brand – was founded in March 2002. The current fleet consists of 91 aircraft, including 29 Airbus A220s, two A319s, 20 A320s, nine A321s, 14 A330s, five A340s and 12 Boeing 777s.