Upgrade for SWISS Airbus A340 fleet serving SA

Johannesburg - The Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) A340 fleet, which services the Johannesburg route, is to be provided with a totally new cabin product, including extensive remodelling to all three seating classes, a new inflight entertainment system, and internet connectivity to everyone on board.

As a result, by the end of 2018 the entire SWISS long-haul fleet will be equipped with wireless internet facilities in all three cabin classes.

Danica Helfrich, head of SWISS South Africa, says the investment in the fleet’s refurbishment signifies the airline’s dedication to providing in and outbound South African travellers with "an unparalleled quality of service".

“The popularity of the route between our Zurich hub and Johannesburg has increased significantly over the last 18 months. This increased popularity further supported our decision to significantly upgrade the product on these routes to bring it in line with the global standard offered by SWISS,” said Helfrich.

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SWISS transported 12 495,404 passengers globally in the first nine months of 2016, some 0.2% more than in the same period last year. The airline operated 111 116 flights globally in the period, 1.0% more than a year ago. Total system wide capacity was increased 6.2% in available seat-kilometre (ASK) terms, while total traffic volume, measured in revenue passenger-kilometres (RPKs), was raised 3.0%.

SWISS will also be equipping its five remaining Airbus A340-300s with a new cabin product in all three seating classes. After the refurbishment the A340s will seat 223 passengers: eight in first class, 47 in business and 168 in economy.

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