• SWISS is prioritizing delivery of new Airbus A350-900 aircraft while retiring older A340s, with no recent orders for Boeing planes.
  • The airline's fleet strategy aligns with Lufthansa Group's broader push for fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
  • Industry sources note intense competition for new-generation aircraft deliveries amid ongoing supply chain constraints.

Swiss International Air Lines is moving forward with a significant long-haul fleet modernization centered on Airbus SE aircraft, with the carrier taking delivery of A350-900 jets and retiring older models rather than placing new orders with Boeing Co., according to people familiar with the matter.

The flag carrier, part of the Lufthansa Group, has twelve Boeing 777-300ERs in service but its current expansion efforts are exclusively focused on Airbus narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The first of several A350-900s is scheduled to enter service in October 2025, with deliveries continuing through 2031 as part of a broader fleet renewal program.

"The market is extremely competitive for new-generation aircraft, and carriers are locking in deliveries years in advance," said one industry executive who asked not to be identified discussing confidential fleet plans. "SWISS's current trajectory clearly favors Airbus for its expansion needs."

Efforts to reach SWISS representatives for comment on future Boeing orders were unsuccessful. The airline's published fleet strategy emphasizes retiring its remaining Airbus A340 aircraft, which have become less economically viable due to higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs compared to newer twin-engine models.

This fleet transition comes as airlines globally face pressure to modernize their fleets amid rising fuel prices and tightening environmental regulations. The A350-900 offers approximately 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared to older four-engine aircraft like the A340, making it particularly attractive for carriers seeking to improve their sustainability profile.

While SWISS maintains its Boeing 777-300ERs for specific long-haul routes, the absence of new Boeing orders reflects the competitive dynamics within the Lufthansa Group, which must balance fleet commonality across its airline subsidiaries against obtaining favorable terms from both major aircraft manufacturers.

Industry analysts note that the current environment favors airlines that can secure delivery slots for fuel-efficient aircraft, with both Airbus and Boeing facing production challenges that have created lengthy waiting lists for popular models like the A350 and 787 Dreamliner.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the number of Boeing 777-300ERs in SWISS's fleet. The correct number is twelve aircraft.