UNIONDALE, NY--(Marketwire - January 22, 2009) - Starting this spring, SWISS will gradually
introduce a new First Class cabin in conjunction with its fleet renewal
program. The focal point is the new SWISS First Seat offering exclusive
design, top inflight comfort, and extensive privacy plus it can be
individually adjusted to meet individual wishes and needs. The new "suite
above the clouds" marks a further milestone in SWISS' ongoing quality
drive.
"With our new First Class, we're setting new benchmarks for individual
travel in an exclusive inflight environment," says Christoph Beckmann,
Chief Marketing & Product Officer. "Our 'suite above the clouds' underlines
SWISS' positioning as a top quality airline, and marks a further consistent
step in our ongoing quality drive, both on the ground and in the air."
With numerous settings and comprehensive adjustability, the new SWISS First
Seat offers excellent inflight comfort that can be specifically tailored to
each guest's individual preferences. The spacious surroundings and
adjustable sidewalls provide extensive privacy, while sophisticated
lighting and the contemporary-yet-warm SWISS design combine to create a
pleasant sense of space. As a further bonus, the unique guest seat,
complete with backrest and armrests, enables the First Class customer to
dine or work with a fellow traveler at a generously-proportioned table.
The SWISS First Seat can be reclined at the touch of a button into a
totally lie-flat bed that is more than six feet long (@6' 6"). It is also
equipped with a down-filled duvet, and incorporates an innovative pneumatic
air cushion that can be adjusted to individual preferences in any seating
position. Further extras include a 23-inch inflight entertainment screen,
and generous work surfaces and storage facilities.
The world's only airline with First Class on all long-haul flights
The gradual replacement of its current Airbus A330-200s with new and more
fuel-efficient A330-300s, starting in the spring, is a major investment for
SWISS. Once all the new A330-300s are in service, SWISS will be the only
airline in the world to offer a First Class cabin on all its long-haul
aircraft.
"SWISS today is a healthy company that stands on sound foundations in a
turbulent operating environment," CEO Christoph Franz underlines. "We will
continue to make strategic investments in our future, and intend to further
strengthen our market position; and every one of our personnel is working
day in, day out to keep our company in prime business shape."
Facts
-- seat pitch = 83" (210.8 cm)
-- seat length = 80" (203.2 cm)
-- seat width = 22" (55.9 cm) seat area (i.e. between armrests)
-- extended seat area = the seat pan can be extended for tall customers
from 18" seat depth to 21"
-- bed width = 28" (71.1 cm) in bed mode (with armrest lowered)
-- table = 26" x 25"
-- pneumatic air cushion (individually adjustable)
-- spacious and adjustable "guest seat" function
-- individually-adjustable sidewalls for privacy if desired
-- extensive work surfaces and stowage facilities
-- highly user-friendly with four pre-set buttons ("Takeoff and landing,"
"Dining," "Lounge" and "Bed")
-- all seat functions also individually adjustable via touch screen
handset
-- individual inflight entertainment screen currently available (23" / 58
cm)
-- iPod, USB and electrical power sockets (110V, suitable for most
European and for US devices)
Configuration
SWISS First:
-- 8 seats in two rows (four seats per row)
SWISS Business:
-- A330-300: 45 seats (today's A330-200s: 42-48 seats, depending on
configuration)
-- A340: 47 seats (today: 48 seats)
SWISS Economy:
-- A330-300: 183 seats (today's A330-200: 142-187 seats)
-- A340: 172 seats
For more information about SWISS, and to book a flight, click onto
www.swiss.com, call 1-877-FLY SWISS or contact your local travel agent.
SWISS is a member of the Star Alliance, the first truly global airline
alliance established in 1997 to offer customers worldwide reach and a
smooth travel experience. The Star Alliance, the airline network for
Earth™ offers more than 16,500 daily flights to 912 destinations in 159
countries.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2009/swissair012209/index.html
Contact Information: CONTACT
Jacqueline Pash
Corporate Communications/USA
Swiss International Air Lines Ltd.
516 247 4060