Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will commence pilot training for the new Airbus A350 in February, using a state-of-the-art flight simulator recently installed by Lufthansa Aviation Training Switzerland in Opfikon. In 2025, the airline plans to train more than 50 pilots on this advanced aircraft, which is set to join its fleet in the Northern Hemisphere summer.
Transitioning to a More Modern and Efficient Fleet
The Airbus A350-900, of which SWISS will receive ten units, will gradually replace the Airbus A340-300 currently in service. While the first aircraft is being assembled at Airbus facilities in Toulouse, the airline is preparing its crews with a flight simulator that faithfully replicates the aircraft’s operational characteristics.
“The Airbus A350 represents a major milestone for SWISS,” said Oliver Buchhofer, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer. “This model strengthens our investment in a more modern and efficient long-haul fleet while enhancing the passenger experience. For our pilots, operating a new aircraft type is both an exciting professional challenge and a career advancement opportunity.”
Intensive Training for Pilots and Cabin Crew
Starting in February, the A350 simulator will be operational 24/7 to ensure a sufficient number of trained pilots when the aircraft enters service. SWISS plans to train over 50 pilots in 2025, with approximately 90 additional pilots per year from 2026 onward.
From March, the airline will also begin training 1,800 cabin crew members at its Opfikon facilities. The necessary training equipment has already been acquired and installed to facilitate the transition.
“We are pleased to conduct all our crew training at the LAT center in Opfikon,” Buchhofer concluded. “This simplifies our logistics and reinforces the strategic importance of this training facility within our operational framework.”
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