SWISS welcomes its 1st Airbus A350 with a tour of Switzerland’s iconic landmarks
October 9, 2025
SWISS International Airlines has received its long-awaited Airbus A350-900, the first of 10 due to arrive with the carrier. The new generation Airbus widebody will replace the long-serving A340-300 quadjets and allow for some network growth too.
The first to arrive in the fleet departed the Airbus facilities in Toulouse at 12:58 local time. Although the flight to Zurich is only 380 nautical miles away, SWISS took two hours and 30 minutes to get its new bird home, pausing en route for some sightseeing.
“Lausanne” the first #Airbus #A350 for@FlySWISS leaving #Toulouse in delivery flight with a very nice wing wave.🇨🇭 #Lausanne #AvGeek #Switzerland @LX_Newsroom pic.twitter.com/m8k68E8Oro
— Aviation Toulouse (@Frenchpainter) October 9, 2025
SWISS Airbus A350 takes the pretty route home
The first SWISS A350 is named ‘Lausanne’ and flies with tail number HB-IFA. It is painted in a fabulous livery SWISS calls Wanderlust, which blends architectural landmarks, cultural icons, sports and more to reflect the strong desire to travel.
Aviation photographer euro.spot captured the departure from Toulouse, which was accompanied by an enthusiastic wing wave.
From Toulouse, the A350 headed northeast, passing north of Annecy before turning east to enter Swiss skies over Tour Sallière. From there on, things started to get interesting.
Turning slightly south, the Airbus dropped to 16,000 feet and overflew the Shwartzhorn before heading north. It made a wide 180-degree turn over the Firehorn, flying with Mount Eiger to its starboard side and following the crest of the Nesthorn back to the southwest.
The aircraft banked to the south and then east to approach the Matterhorn. Passing in front of the world-famous mountain, it took a series of tight turns, circling Dent Blanche and Weisshorngruppe before heading northeast once more.
Before leading the mountains, SWISS took the Airbus on a full 360-degree turn around Bettmerhorn and Nesthorn, again with the backdrop of Mount Eiger, before heading towards Zurich.
But the fun wasn’t quite over just yet. As the aircraft passed into the Bernese Oberland, it paused for no less than six 360-degree turns over the village of Brienz. Nestled on the edge of Lake Brienz, the village is possibly the most Swiss thing in Switzerland, with 18th-century wooden chalets dotting the shoreline, alpine hills falling down to the water and even a steam train.
One last detour, to take in the stunning scenery of the Jurapark Aargau, and then the A350 was headed home. It touched down in Zurich at 15:26 local time.
Parking brake set: our first #SWISSA350 has arrived at Zurich Airport – its new home base – for the very first time. A new chapter for SWISS and its passengers begins today. Watch the final moments live: https://t.co/TJHoTDSk0I pic.twitter.com/1xewuLhy4P
— LX_Newsroom (@LX_Newsroom) October 9, 2025
`Why SWISS is flying its A350 all over the place
The arrival of a new aircraft type is a big deal for any airline, and for SWISS, it’s the start of a new era. While saying goodbye to the iconic A340 will be a sad moment, the arrival of the A350 signals the start of more efficient flights, less CO2 and higher passenger satisfaction.
So there was an element of celebration to the sightseeing delivery flight. However, it was also an excellent opportunity for some air-to-air photography. SWISS is lucky to call one of the most beautiful countries in Europe its home, and has always leveraged this to full effect in its marketing.
With the new type arriving, and all dressed up in its special livery, the airline’s marketing department will undoubtedly soon be in possession of some stunning images of the aircraft against the backdrop of Switzerland’s iconic landscapes.
SWISS plans to put the A350 into service as soon as this month, with the inaugural route planned from Zurich to Palma de Mallorca on 25 October. Following that, services to other short-haul destinations are expected, including Malaga, Prague and Hanover.
These short flights will let crews get used to the new aircraft type before its long-haul launch. Its first intercontinental route will be to Boston beginning 20 November, and bookings are already open.
