Swiss has begun taking delivery of the first batch of no fewer than 20 Bombardier CS300 aircraft. Each of these Canadian-built twin-jets can accommodate 128 passengers in Swiss’ configuration.
The larger CS300 aircraft will enable Swiss to operate more economically at Geneva. Each CS300 is able to carry 20 more passengers per flight than the slightly smaller CS100 aircraft already in its fleet.
Initially the CS300s will be based in Geneva where Swiss finds itself up against Easyjet which holds the largest share of the market.
Geneva is used by Swiss as a laboratory for its future products (see our previous article on Swiss plans for a buy on board service).
“We are delighted that having successfully integrated the first Bombardier CS100s into our fleet from mid-2016 onwards, we can now welcome the first CS300,” said Thomas Kluhr, CEO of Swiss.
“Our first CS300s will be initially stationed in Geneva where its superior comfort credentials will be excellently suited to the premium travel market.”
“In fact our entire Geneva based fleet will soon consist solely of Bombardier C series aircraft.”
Swiss’ first CS300 is scheduled to enter service on June 1 between Geneva and London Heathrow.
Its smaller CS100s, as we have already reported, have already been certified for operation in and out of London City airport. We can expect these planes to be operating some or all of Swiss services at London’s close-in airport at some time the future.