Swiss launches new A350 first, business class

Swiss is the latest airline to roll out new first class and business class suites and seats, which will debut on a factory-fresh Airbus A350 towards the end of this year.

After the twinjet arrives at Zurich, Swiss says it “will initially be deployed on European routes” before making its long-range debut to Boston sometime in the northern winter; flights from 1 January 2026 onwards are already online and bookable.

And even that A350 is something very different. 

The first Swiss A350 is a 'flying art gallery'.

The first of ten, it features a unique ‘Wanderlust’ livery which playfully celebrates all things Swiss, from famous buildings and landmarks to winter sports, a marmot and the Freddie Mercury statue at Montreux.

The first Swiss A350 is a 'flying art gallery'.

On board the A350, Swiss has adopted the same Allegris first class suites and business class seats as sibling Lufthansa – but dressed in elegant Swiss colours, materials and trim to evoke a sense of what the airline calls “Silent Luxury”.

Swiss’ A350 first class

Swiss' new A350 first class, seen as a mock-up at Swiss HQ in Zurich.

There’s only one row of first class on the Swiss A350, where each of three suites enclosed by nearly ceiling-high 1.8m walls is positioned as “an exquisite retreat above the clouds.”

Swiss' new A350 first class.

“In Swiss First, we wanted to create an experience that gives travellers a sense of exclusivity and security,” explains Swiss’ designer Antoine Lisboa.

Swiss' new A350 first class.

Two single suites, each with a 3.5 m² footprint, flank either side of the A350.

Swiss' new A350 first class.

An extra-wide 2.4 m² double suite in the centre can be shared by two travellers, or booked by one high flyer who wants even more room to stretch out.

Swiss' new A350 first class.

Each Swiss first class seat has individual heating and cooling systems, with a solid wood dining table and separate cocktail table adding a refined touch.

Two pieces of carry-on baggage can be stowed beneath the ottoman, while a personal wardrobe provides convenient storage.

Swiss' new A350 first class.

That feature set is of course identical to Lufthansa’s Allegris first class, but the luxurious Swiss suites look so much richer and warmer, while muted tones such as claret and anthracite plus touches of light wood providing a visual connection to Swiss’ current first class.

Swiss’ A350 business class

In business class, the Swiss A350 repeats this ‘same but different’ take on Lufthansa’s Allegris business class.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

Instead of the German flag-carrier’s scheme of blue, caramel-brown and beige, Swiss’ take confidently leans into warm Burgundy completed by anthracite, light woods and off-white exterior wall panels with a soft silvered trim, for “an extremely cosy and intimate ambience.”

Swiss' new A350 business class.

Unchanged in Swiss’ new A350 business class is the revolutionary Allegris design which offers multiple variations on the core business class seat, with the aim of giving business class passengers more choice instead of a ‘one seat fits all’ experience.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

Eight Business Suites – four in each first row of the A350’s two business class cabins – offer more privacy thanks to higher walls and sliding doors, along with a private wardrobe and 24” entertainment screen.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

The middle seats in each of these rows can serve as a ‘double suite’ for two passengers travelling together.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

The rest of the Swiss A350 business class cabin is given over to non-doored seats with varying degrees of privacy and utility.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

For example, every second row has an Extra Space Seat – better known as a ‘throne’ seat – with additional stowage and room for working or relaxing.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

And nestled behind each throne is one aptly-named Extra Long Bed Seat where the lie-flat bed is 2.2m, compared to the standard 2m bed.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

Then there’s the Privacy Seat, where passengers sit directly next to the window and one step away from the aisle...

Swiss' new A350 business class.

... and the Classic Seat, which has passengers next to the aisle.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

Swiss will sell the Classic Seats as the entry-level in business class, with other seats attracting a premium surcharge (although top-tier frequent flyers in the Miles & More loyalty program will continue to enjoy complimentary seat selection perks).

Each Swiss A350 business class seat includes AC, USB-A, USB-C and wireless charging, Bluetooth audio streaming, adjustable seat heating and cooling, and video screens up to 27”.

Swiss' new A350 business class.

Swiss has also taken extra care in designing spaces such as the A350 entry and the galley kitchens.

“Our goal was to make guests feel welcomed as soon as they step aboard,” says Lisboa, calling attention to the warm Burgundy tones and soft lighting.

In the galley, the lower parts are designed in darker tones to hide wear marks from trolleys and luggage, while the lighter upper surfaces make the space feel brighter and more open.

That attention to detail extends to the washrooms: “we also wanted the restrooms to reflect our premium standards,” Lisboa reflects.

Swiss A350 business class.

Instead of the usual white and sparsely functional design, Swiss incorporates a dark ‘peacock green’ accent which references “the fresh and cooling water” of the mineral springs and thermal baths of Vals.

Swiss' new A350 washrooms.

In addition to its new A350 flagships, Swiss also plans to bring these premium pews to its Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 jets in a multi-year retrofit project; the older A340s will be retired in favour of the A350s.