Travelore News: SWISS’s First Airbus A350 Makes Its Maiden Flight

Planes are built to fly. But it’s still a special moment when a new aircraft takes off for the very first time. This is what occurred yesterday with SWISS’ first, new Airbus A350-900, at the manufacturer’s Toulouse facility. The aircraft name was also unveiled as: Lausanne.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has marked a further milestone in the modernization of its long-haul aircraft fleet. The first of the company’s new Airbus A350s took off from the Airbus manufacturing facility in Toulouse yesterday at 11:27 (local time)for its first test flight. During the flight, which lasted several hours, Airbus specialists carefully monitored the aircraft and its performance with a focus on various areas, such as its aerodynamics, steering and handling, cabin pressure, avionics and electrical and air-conditioning systems. The aircraft is the first of ten A350-900s of which SWISS will take delivery.

A fleet modernization for a new era

SWISS will welcome ten Airbus A350-900s to its aircraft fleet between now and 2031. All ten aircraft will be delivered complete with the airline’s new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin. The new long-haul twinjet consumes some 25% less fuel, produces around 25% fewer carbon dioxide emissions and generates up to 50% lower noise emissions.

Enchanté, mon nom est Lausanne

SWISS’s first Airbus A350 has been named Lausanne. The city on Lake Geneva is one of the most important in Switzerland, and is a hub of culture, internationality and innovation. The home of the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne is not just a key business and economic center: it’s a popular travel destination, too, with its lakeside location, its charming Old Town and its wide range of arts and cultural attractions.

Final assembly in Toulouse

Airbus has been steadily assembling SWISS’ first A350 – manufacturer’s serial number 737 – at its Toulouse production facility over the past few months. The work has seen the company’s specialist personnel join the fuselage, wings, engines and tail unit, install the new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin and (finally) apply the aircraft’s unique ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery, which is a homage to Switzerland and its diversity.

A comprehensive testing program for maximum reliability

SWISS’ first Airbus A350 has already undergone extensive testing on the ground over the past few weeks. This has seen its engines, its handling at various taxi and ground roll speeds and its breaking and steering technologies all thoroughly assessed. A high-speed takeoff abort was also simulated as part of these activities, which is designed to comprehensively test the aircraft’s key safety items such as its landing gear, hydraulics, electronics and fuel systems.

‘Swissification’ still to come

For yesterday’s test flight, SWISS’ first Airbus A350 carries the registration F-WZHI, because the aircraft is still the responsibility of Airbus and the French authorities. Only when its ownership is formally transferred on its delivery to SWISS, in early October, will it receive its designated Swiss registration of HB-IFA.