Swiss locks in new 777 first, business class

Swiss is planning a massive upgrade to its Boeing 777 fleet, with all-new first class and business class suites on the way – but travellers will need to be patient, as the overhaul won’t begin until 2029.

The airline has revealed its long-range 777-300ER fleet will follow an Airbus A330 refit due from mid-2026, with the adoption of the Swiss Senses family of suites and seats: the airline’s branding for the Allegris products of parent Lufthansa.

Swiss’ new 777 first class

That transformation will see the 777 first class suites go from this...

Swiss' current 777 first class.

... to this.

Swiss' new 777 first class.

The fully-private Swiss suites have a luxuriously warm vibe, with muted tones such as claret and anthracite plus touches of light wood which provide a visual connection to the airline’s current 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 777 first class.

Each Swiss first class seat has individual heating and cooling systems, enabling passengers to create their own ‘micro-climate’.

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

Swiss' new 777 first class.

Swiss will retain the 777’s two-row first class cabin, although the current four-across 777 first layout will make way for a nominal three-across configuration due to the oversized Swiss Senses middle suite being available for a single passenger to book.

Swiss' new 777 first class.

There may also be the option for deep-pocketed passengers to block off the middle suite and one of the two window suites to create what Swiss markets as its First Grand Suite.

Swiss' First Grand Suite.

The First Grand Suite combines the middle double suite and one of the two window suites, with the aisle between them closed off.

Swiss' First Grand Suite.

“Reserved solely for you and your companions, the space remains completely separated from the rest of the cabin, offering complete seclusion with exclusive access,” Swiss promises.

Swiss' First Grand Suite.

“Our Grand Suite should give our guests all the feeling of having their own ‘loft aloft’ – a space that they can use as they wish, to relax, to work or just to enjoy the experience,” explains Swiss’ Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach.

Swiss' First Grand Suite.

Swiss says the First Grand Suite is “specifically aimed at those of our top premium customers who are seeking even more privacy.”

Swiss’ new 777 business class

The dramatic make-over continues behind the curtain.

On their way out are these business class berths with a staggered 1-2-2 / 2-2-1 config.

Swiss' current 777 business class.

They’ll be swapped for the same business class seats which recently debuted on Swiss’ Airbus A350.

Swiss' new 777 business class.

As with Lufthansa’s Allegris business class, Swiss Senses 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.

Business Suites at the front row of the business class cabin offer more privacy thanks to higher walls and sliding doors, while also delivering creature comforts like a private wardrobe and a 32-43” entertainment screen (the largest screens are in the centre suite).

Swiss' new 777 business class.

The middle seats in this row can serve as a ‘double suite’ for two passengers travelling together.

Swiss' new 777 business class.

The rest of the Swiss Senses 777 business class cabin will be given over to non-doored seats with varying degrees of privacy and utility.

However, they all have standard features such as AC, USB-A, USB-C and wireless charging, Bluetooth audio streaming, and adjustable seat heating and cooling.

Swiss' new 777 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 777 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 777 business class.

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

Swiss' new 777 business class.

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

Swiss' new 777 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).

Lufthansa reports a “~9% higher yield for Allegris Business Class seats”, which in turn is driving a “revenue uplift through seat choice” of around €1 million in additional revenue per aircraft per year from advanced seat sales.

Also read: Here is Lufthansa’s new A380 business class