SWISS’ new first class seats, which the airline plans to install starting next year, are too heavy for its Airbus A330s. To fix the problem, the airline will have to add more weight to the planes to balance them out.
Too heavy
In 2023,
SWISS
announced Swiss Senses, which entailed an upgrade to its widebody aircraft, namely the
Airbus A330-300
, Boeing 777-300ERs, and future Airbus A350-900s. According to Business Insider, the airline has discovered that the new first class seats are too heavy.
Because the new premium seats are too heavy, the planes will be nose-heavy, unless changes are made. An airline spokesperson told Business Insider that to solve the problem, a balancing plate would be added to the aircraft. Details about this balancing plate were not revealed.
Cabin retrofits on the A330s are not set to begin until late 2025. After the seats are installed, the airline will be able to make appropriate, precise measurements. The added weight to the aircraft increases fuel burn and reduces sustainability, so the airline is looking to cut things where possible. Doors will not be part of the new business class seat, and the airline is reducing the number of premium seats.
The Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 777-300ERs are not affected.
SWISS Senses
In 2023, SWISS unveiled its next generation inflight experience, SWISS Senses. The new product features a completely redesigned cabin and for the first time, will feature a suite concept. The new concept will be available in first class and parts of the business class cabin.
Photo: SWISS
The airline is also adding “Human Centric Lighting” to its aircraft in aims to reduce effects of jetlag. And, of course, the inflight entertainment system is getting an upgrade to larger screens and the ability to connect your own devices.
The first class will feature lockable sliding doors, a spacious wardrobe, and 43-inch and 27-inch screens. In addition to having lie-flat seats, those will come equipped with cooling and heating options. As mentioned above, SWISS is cutting the number of first class seats and the A330s will feature just three, one at each window and a double-pod in the middle.
Photo: SWISS
The new business class is very similar to Lufthansa’s Allegris Product, with several seating options within the cabin. The seats will feature 17-inch screens with 4K resolution and will turn into beds about 6.5 long. All seats will have aisle access and wireless charging capabilities.
“As a premium airline, we want to pay due and full regard to our customers’ desire for more individuality. And with this extremely high-quality product, we can continue to meet all our high aspirations.” – Dieter Vranckx, CEO, SWISS
Premium Economy has already been introduced and has a narrow seat separation for more privacy, reading lamps, wireless charging, and a small cocktail table for drinks.
In economy, a new design means that seat pitch has increased. The new seats will feature 7-inch tilt, comfortable armrests, and USB charging. In total, the Airbus A330s will feature 227 seats; 4 in First, 43 in Business, 21 in Premium Economy, and 159 in Economy.