2 days ago
Swiss Airlines unveils new first class enclosed suites – with beds and total privacy
First-class passengers on some Swiss International Air Lines flights will soon get to travel in their own private enclosed suites, complete with a personal wardrobe and even a double bed.
The Switzerland-based carrier unveiled a new cabin concept called 'SWISS Senses' at Zurich Airport on Tuesday, with a redesign of all seat classes for "the biggest product investment in the company's history," according to a press release.
Expected to be delivered in October, the airline's new Airbus A350-900s will be the first to feature the reimagined cabins, slated to initially fly European routes before servicing the Zurich to Boston long haul in the winter. Eventually, the airline's current fleet of Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-300ER will also undergo a revamp with the new design.
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"I am delighted that, with the arrival of our new Airbus A350s, we will be able to offer our customers an even more personal, exclusive and individual air travel experience," said SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach at today's presentation event.
The entire cabin is set to feature warm, muted tones for a cozier atmosphere, plus what the airline calls "human-centric lighting" to help ease the effects of jet lag by supporting the "body's natural biorhythm," according to a fact sheet. All seats will also enjoy larger screens and the option to hook up their personal electronic devices.
Introduced in the redesign is a brand-new flight experience for the airline: the SWISS First suites, which emulates a private room with sliding doors that can be closed for total privacy for first-class fliers. Suites will be equipped with a personal wardrobe, large table, seat heating and cooling plus a screen that spans the width of the suite.
According to a seat map, suites will be situated at the forward section of the plane, with single suites on each side and a center suite of almost 40 square feet that can accommodate two passengers. Those flying in SWISS First also have access to a spacious new washroom as well.
SWISS' holding company Lufthansa Group released a similar first-class suite concept in the spring after several years of regulatory approval hurdles.
Other upgrades in the new concept include all business class seats becoming fully lie-flat and some receiving sliding doors for additional privacy. For those who won't be in first or business class, the new economy class seats are also designed with extra at-seat space, the airline said.
