Swiss to acquire six B777-300ERs
Published: 14/03/2013 - Filed under: News »
Swiss will revamp its international flight operations from 2016 when it takes delivery of six new Boeing 777-300ERs.
The large twinjet will partially replace some of Swiss’ existing fleet of A340-300s. All told the six B777-300ERs represent an investment of Sfr 1.5 billion.
According to Swiss, the new Boeings will be deployed on prime long-range routes out of Zurich with typical destinations being San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Johannesburg and Singapore.
Swiss says it chose the B777-300ER because it incorporates proven sophisticated technology. The wide-bodied plane is economical to operate. It seats over 330 passengers and saves 23 per cent on fuel and CO2 emissions over the A340-300.
It’s the largest aircraft that Swiss has operated although the former Swissair used to operate a small fleet of B747s.
“The B777-300ER has the ideal size and range to meet our Swiss market needs,” says CEO Harry Hohmeister, “this [order] is a landmark decision that is crucial to retaining our competitive edge.”
Swiss is not revealing details of the interior configuration at this stage.
However as a flagship plane serving key business routes, the B777-300ER will offer the latest first and business class products.
But we will have to see whether or not the new plane will offer a premium economy cabin.
Swiss’ parent Lufthansa is currently considering such a cabin so will Swiss adopt the concept too?
And the big question for economy class travellers is whether Swiss will configure the cabin with ten-across seating.
Will it defy the trend? Or will Swiss instead follow in the footsteps of other B777-300ER carriers like Aeroflot, Air Canada, Air France, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, KLM and TAM?
For more information visit swiss.com.
Report by Alex McWhirter
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COMMENTS »
Swissdiver - 14/03/2013 13:08
Hurray, LX is finally buying decent planes! So far their big weakness was to be using only horrendous A330s and A340s. With B777s, they might well become again one of the world's best airlines!
sparkyflyer - 14/03/2013 15:31
I am sure they will go for a 9 abreast seating - they are a premium, quality airline after all with a reputation to protect. Maybe they can be innovative however, and offer 2-4-3 seating in Y, as some airlines used to do wirth DC-10s etc. If they introduce Y+ this can be 8 abreast, like on most of the the others.
dcjdjay - 14/03/2013 15:37
What's horrendous about the 330s and 340s? They're fabulous planes from a passenger's perspective. No middle seats in Economy, a quiet ride, and Swiss' configuration in all classes made those aircraft a pleasure to fly over any other carrier's 777s.
Dolphin500 - 14/03/2013 21:40
Seats configurations varies...some airlines have 2-5-2, 3-3-3, 3-4-3, 2-5-3... My favourite: 2-5-2 for me who alwyas get window seat. 340's and 330's has 2-4-2 which is fine... but from the design stand point...777 WIN!!! it's such a nice plane!!!
alastair00 - 15/03/2013 01:05
Won't the 777-X be available from 2016?
BusinessTraveller - 15/03/2013 11:09
From what we know, the B777-X won’t be ready until the end of the decade.
http://www.businesstraveller.com/middle-east/news/emirates-deeply-involved-in-b777-x
Swiss, like its parent Lufthansa, is a conservative carrier. As I mentioned above, one reason why Swiss chose the B777-300ER is because it incorporates “proven sophisticated technology.” It means that there should be no delivery delays or teething problems which may affect newer aircraft types like the A350 and B777-X.
Alex McWhirter
cbroo79 - 17/03/2013 12:13
Prefer the 777-300ER over the 330 or 340 that Swiss is flying now (especially with the new business class)? No way!
I hate the c class on most carriers flying 777, the worst is when you always have to climb over someone (UA for eample) The only and truly best layout for that Boeing plane is on Air NZ in heringbone. Then the 777 is acceptable (but still louder than Airbus).
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