SWISS welcomes first A320neo
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has introduced its first A320neo, named “Engelberg," to its fleet. The aircraft, bearing the registration HB-JDA, arrived directly from Airbus’ Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport plant in northern Germany. SWISS will be receiving a total of 25 A320neo aircraft by the end of 2024.
The A320neo engine consumes 20 percent less fuel than comparable older generation aircraft and features seats developed to enhance passenger comfort. The twinjets are also equipped with noise-reducing vortex generators resulting in a much quieter noise footprint.
The A320neo Business and Economy Class seats were designed by Italian manufacturer Geven. The seats have ergonomic pressure distribution throughout the backrest and seat cushion, and the horizontal placement of the literature pocket above the seat table makes for more living space. The seats can be reclined to 20 degrees, instead of the previous 12 degrees. Business Class travelers can recline the seat to 26 degrees while cruising.
“Our new A320neo family aircraft will substantially reduce the average age of the SWISS aircraft fleet,” said the airline’s Chief Executive Officer Thomas Klühr. “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 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," Klühr continued.
SWISS will be deploying the A320neos on short- and medium-haul routes of up to 4,200 kilometers within Europe and to and from destinations in North Africa and the Middle East.
