Switzerland CEO Dieter Vranckx (49) was in a chatty mood in an October Sunday Blick interview. Billions will be invested in the new fleet. “Over the next few years we will be bringing 17 new Airbus A320neos to replace older generations – these are cutting edge aircraft,” said Vranckx. They serve short and medium distance routes. What about long-haul planes? The CEO of Lufthansa’s subsidiary Swiss was still closed. But now we know more.
According to the news of CH Media newspapers, Vranckx said at the press conference held by the Canton of Zurich about the airport report, “Of course, our clear choice is the Airbus A350-900.” This should put an end to guesswork in the industry. Because, in addition to the Airbus A350, Dreamliner, or Boeing 787, was frequently mentioned as a candidate.
Switzerland’s long-term plans
Swiss currently flies worldwide with relatively new Boeing 777s, five older Airbus A340s and 14 Airbus A330-300s. A decision must be made and communicated by the end of the year, as approved by Swiss at Blick’s request on Monday. Swiss does not want to give any information on exactly how many new planes will be purchased.
Industry circles assume a total of five A350-900 machines that Swiss should purchase from Lufthansa by 2025. Five A340 aircraft will be shelved and one machine – as already reported by Switzerland – will go to sister airline Edelweiss. The long-haul A330 aircraft will remain in service until 2030. These, too, will be replaced by A350 machines in eight to ten years.
Why does Switzerland trust the A350?
Switzerland should rely on the A350 as it is larger than the Boeing Dreamliner. The Airbus type has a 19 centimeters wider fuselage and a 12 centimeters wider cabin than the Boeing 787. In addition, the A350 is 4 meters larger than the rival aircraft.
The size is appropriate for the Swiss because more space can also mean a more luxurious premium. It’s a product that Swiss definitely wants to develop further.