SWISS is to replace a further Airbus A340-300 with a Boeing 777-300ER. And the five remaining A340s in the SWISS fleet are to be provided with a totally new cabin product, including a new inflight entertainment system and internet connectivity. As a result, by the end of 2018 the entire SWISS long-haul fleet will be equipped with wireless internet facilities in all three cabin classes.
In addition to its nine Boeing 777-300ERs which have already been delivered or are currently on order, SWISS is to receive a tenth such aircraft in 2018. The USD 330 million investment will create 40 new SWISS jobs. The ten new Boeing 777 aircraft are adding a total of 400 positions to the company’s cabin crew corps.
A new A340 cabin product and inflight entertainment system
SWISS will also be equipping its five remaining Airbus A340-300s with a new cabin product in all three seating classes. After the refurbishment the A340s will seat 223 passengers: eight in First Class, 47 in Business and 168 in Economy. The new First Class cabin will be closely modelled on that of the Boeing 777. The Business Class seats will be the Triple Seven model, while Economy Class will be given a new type of seat. The new inflight entertainment system will also be as used on the 777.
Inflight internet on all long-haul aircraft
Following its introduction on the new Boeing 777s, SWISS is now extending its ‘SWISS Connect’ internet connectivity facility to its Airbus A330-300s and A340-300s, too. The fourteen A330s will be equipped with the requisite Panasonic technology – eXConnect for the internet and eXPhone for telephony – between now and next spring. The five remaining A340s will be so equipped in 2018, as part of their cabin refurbishment.
