SWISS Begins Training First Pilots for New Airbus A350

dailyblitz.de 3 hours ago

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ZURICH- SWISS International Air Lines (LX) is set to begin training its first pilots for the Airbus A350, marking a key step in modernizing its fleet. The airline will utilize a newly installed A350 full-flight simulator at Lufthansa Aviation Training Switzerland (LAT CH) in Opfikon.

The pilot training program will commence in February, ensuring that SWISS pilots are prepared to operate the airline’s first A350-900, which is scheduled to enter service this summer. More than 50 pilots will be trained this year, with expanded training to follow in 2026.

SWISS Pilots A350 Training

As SWISS prepares to introduce the Airbus A350 into its fleet, pilot training is a crucial step. The airline will conduct training sessions at LAT CH’s Opfikon facility, near Zurich Airport (ZRH).

The new A350 simulator, designed to replicate real-world flight conditions, will play a vital role in familiarizing pilots with the aircraft’s advanced systems and controls.

The first batch of over 50 pilots will complete simulator-based training in 2025. From 2026 onward, SWISS plans to train approximately 90 pilots annually, ensuring a steady transition to the new aircraft type.

The rigorous training process will enable pilots to seamlessly integrate into A350 operations once the aircraft enters commercial service.

Alongside cockpit crew training, SWISS will begin preparing its cabin crew for A350 operations starting in March.

LAT CH has already procured and installed specialized training mock-ups and other necessary equipment at the Opfikon facility.

By the end of 2025, the airline aims to train approximately 1,800 cabin crew members for A350 service.

Chief Operating Officer Oliver Buchhofer emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “The Airbus A350 marks a major milestone for SWISS. It represents our commitment to modernizing our long-haul fleet while improving efficiency and passenger comfort.”

He further highlighted the benefits of conducting all training locally at LAT CH, ensuring seamless coordination and operational readiness.

SWISS A350 Fleet

SWISS is introducing the Airbus A350-900 as part of its long-term fleet renewal strategy. The airline has ordered ten A350s, which will gradually replace the aging Airbus A340-300 fleet.

The first A350 is currently being assembled at Airbus’s manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France, and is expected to be delivered by mid-2025.

The A350-900 offers superior fuel efficiency, advanced aerodynamics, and improved passenger comfort.

With reduced carbon emissions and lower operating costs, the aircraft aligns with SWISS’s sustainability goals while enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.