SWISS’s first Airbus A350, Lausanne, makes its first flight

SWISS’s first Airbus A350-900 aircraft took flight from the manufacturer’s Toulouse facility on Aug 6.

A New Generation of Long-Haul Aircraft

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)’s first Airbus A350-900 aircraft took off for its first test flights on 6 Aug.

The aircraft took off at 11:27am for its first test flight for several hours, in order to enable the Airbus specialists to monitor the aircraft and its performance. Focusing on various areas such as: its aerodynamics, steering and handling, cabin pressure, avionics and the aircraft electrical and air-conditioning systems.

The aircraft is the first of ten A350-900s, of which SWISS is expecting to take delivery for its long-haul aircraft fleet modernisation goal. The airline is expecting to welcome all ten aircraft between now and 2031. All ten aircraft will feature the airline’s new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin. The new long-haul fleet is expected to consume some 25% less fuel, produce around 25% fewer carbon dioxide emissions and generate up to 50% lower noise emissions.

The ownership of the aircraft, which just finished its first test flight, is expected to be transferred upon its delivery to SWISS in early October.

Introducing Lausanne: A Tribute to Swiss Culture

The aircraft is named Lausanne, the same as the city on Lake Geneva. It not only acts as an important business capital of Switzerland, but also a cultural hub and popular travel destination. It is also home of the International Olympic Committee.

Lausanne has been assembled at Airbus’s Toulouse production facility over the past few months. In the process, the company’s specialists joined the fuselage, wings, engines and tail unit, installed the new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin, and applied the aircraft’s unique ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery.

Before its first take-off, the aircraft was tested on the ground for weeks. The engines, and the handling at various taxi and ground roll speeds. As well as its breaking and steering technologies have been fully assessed. In addition, the aircraft has also been through a high-speed take-off abort simulation, in order to test the aircraft’s key safety items such as its landing gear, hydraulics, electronics and fuel systems comprehensively.

Do you think the A350 will redefine SWISS’s long-haul experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.