SWISS Unveils New Airbus A350 with Premium ‘SWISS Senses’ Cabin on Inaugural Zurich-Boston Flight

Published on November 21, 2025

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has officially launched its first Airbus A350 on its long-haul service, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s ongoing transformation. The aircraft, designated HB-IFA, departed from Zurich at 18:37 for Boston on its inaugural revenue flight, ushering in a new era of air travel for SWISS passengers. This flight marks the first complete implementation of the airline’s innovative ‘SWISS Senses’ concept, offering travelers an elevated and luxurious long-haul experience across all seating classes.

The SWISS Senses experience combines a blend of contemporary design, comfort, and the Swiss hospitality the airline is known for. Passengers on the Zurich-Boston route are the first to experience this newly designed cabin, which brings enhanced inflight service and state-of-the-art amenities. From the moment they board, travelers are treated to a thoughtfully crafted journey, with offerings ranging from a welcoming drink accompanied by Sbrinz cheese to the Alpine Essence signature cocktail. New Business Class bed linen, top-quality care items, and a cutting-edge inflight entertainment system are just some of the features designed to make the journey memorable.

As part of its comprehensive upgrade, SWISS has focused on creating a more personalized and refined cabin experience for all classes. The First Class cabin now includes three luxurious suites, each providing maximum privacy and comfort. These suites are equipped with individual doors, wardrobes, and spacious tables, giving passengers a truly exclusive experience. Meanwhile, the Business Class cabin boasts 45 seats, each offering direct aisle access and the ability to recline into a lie-flat bed that stretches up to 2.2 meters long. Travelers can select from five different seat categories, including compact suites for those seeking additional privacy during their journey.

In addition to these premium offerings, the airline’s Premium Economy Class has also seen significant improvements. The new Premium Economy cabin features 38 seats – the most of any SWISS aircraft to date – with each seat offering a width of 48 centimeters and a generous seat pitch of approximately one meter. Passengers in Premium Economy can expect an enhanced, comfortable travel experience, making this class an attractive option for those looking for additional space at a more accessible price point.

For those in Economy Class, SWISS has also worked to improve the overall flying experience. The cabin now includes 156 seats, with more at-seat space than ever before. Passengers can enjoy a larger 13.3-inch HD screen, Bluetooth connectivity to use their own headphones, and both USB-A and USB-C ports for easy charging of devices throughout the flight.

As part of its long-term fleet strategy, SWISS is set to expand its Airbus A350 fleet with nine additional aircraft by 2031, all of which will be equipped with the SWISS Senses cabin. Starting in 2026, the airline will also retrofit its Airbus A330 fleet with the new cabin, followed by its Boeing 777 aircraft in the subsequent years. By 2030, all SWISS long-haul aircraft will feature the upgraded SWISS Senses interior, ensuring that passengers on every flight experience the same level of comfort and innovation.

This move is part of SWISS’s vision for the future, focusing on combining premium service with Swiss precision to offer an unparalleled travel experience. Heike Birlenbach, SWISS’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted that this milestone is not just about a new cabin but also about showcasing the airline’s commitment to reliability, quality, and guest satisfaction. The introduction of the A350 and the SWISS Senses concept represents the airline’s promise to remain at the forefront of air travel, delivering exceptional experiences tailored to the evolving needs of its passengers.

With the debut of this new cabin and service, SWISS continues to redefine what long-haul travel can be, offering a seamless, elevated journey that combines Swiss values with modern luxury. As the airline moves forward with its fleet expansion and retrofitting plans, the SWISS Senses concept will play a crucial role in ensuring that SWISS remains a global leader in premium air travel.