SWISS Cancels Istanbul Service

SWISS Cancels Istanbul Service

SWISS has announced that it will end service between Zurich and Istanbul beginning with the Winter 2016/17 timetable which is effective between October 30 and March 25.

The affected flights are:

LX1800 that was scheduled between Zurich and Istanbul on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.

LX1804 that was scheduled between Zurich and Istanbul on Monday, Thursdays, Sundays.

LX1801 that was scheduled between Istanbul and Zurich on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.

LX1805 that was scheduled between Istanbul and Zurich on Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays.

 


a plane flying in the sky

Thoughts From SWISS’ First ‘Revenue’ Flight Of Bombardier CS100

Thoughts From SWISS’ First ‘Revenue’ Flight Of Bombardier CS100

Swiss International Airlines Launches Inaugural Service With Bombardier CS100

Special guest on-scene report from FlyerTalk’s ClaudiSTR with KK Flyer

On July 15, Swiss International celebrated the start of service of the new Bombardier CS100 aircraft with an inaugural flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Paris (CDG).

Swiss is the launch customer for the CS100/300, the newest and largest members of the Bombardier aircraft family. Depending on specific configuration, the CS100 accommodates from about 108 passengers (8 business + 100 coach) up to 125 passengers in a 5-across arrangement. A larger version of the airframe, the CS300, seats typically about 130 (12 J + 118 Y) up to a maximum of 160.

a white airplane in a hangar

SWISS’ FIrst CS100 – Photo Courtesy of Vielfliegertreff’s (VFT) founding member ‘RCS’

In terms of passenger capacity and cabin diameter, the Bombardier C-Series jets fit nicely into the space between the Embraer E-Jet family and the larger Boeing 737Airbus A320– series, and are a nice replacement for the retiring BAe 146s (Avro RJ100). Based on my first experience, I would like to especially thank the Canadian taxpayers for rescuing from development delays what seems to be a technically wonderful airplane. The C-Series should turn out to be an excellent addition to regional/short-haul fleets around the world in the 100- to 130-seat market.

the wing of an airplane above clouds

View from row 15…..

I was fortunate to be among the passengers onboard for the July 15 inaugural flight of HB-JBA, “Kanton Zürich,” the first CS100 operated by SWISS, and indeed the first CS100flight in revenue service.

The on-board experience…..(Photos Courtesy of Vielfliegertreff’s (VFT) founding member ‘RCS’):

rows of seats in an airplane

5-across cabin seating features comfortable seats with plenty of knee/leg room even for people a bit over 6 feet/185cm tall. Body support was good, and the seat upholstery had a nice look and quality feel.

a seat in a plane

a row of seats in an airplane

Take note of the shortened arm-rest for the window seat. This stub might lead to a comfort issue.  

a screen on a plane

people sitting in an airplane

Generous overhead baggage storage…..will alleviate risks of gate-checking luggage.

Large and well-designed overhead bins accommodate standard carry-on baggage, and when closed contribute to a spacious feel in the cabin. Combined with large windows, the cabin leaves a large, bright, and airy impression.

 

a person's legs and a pair of legs in an airplane

A typical Economy Class seat provides ample leg room.

I was sitting in Row 15 (over the wing, which I found to have a bit more noise and vibration than I expected. Further forward and aft, the cabin was much quieter.

The lavatory to my surprise was large and roomy considering the size of the aircraft.   It reminds you of the Lavs you would find aboard widebody aircraft.

a soap dispenser and a sink

a sink and toilet in a bathroom

Unfortunately, since the flight destination was Paris/CDG, the normally festive mood was somewhat subdued out of respect for the victims of the terror attack in Nice the night before. For example, the usual celebratory water cannon salute for a new aircraft arrival in Paris did not happen, and the pre-flight celebrations in Zurich were low-key, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the gate. But despite the muted background, there was genuine excitement for the new airplane.

a group of people cutting a red ribbon

Frequent flyers, airline managers, people from the airline industry, and as special guest Miss Switzerland 2013 gathered to celebrate the first revenue flight of C100. Amongst the passengers also was Thomas Lee, who completed his 5th inaugural flight of a new airplane after joining the 747-100, A380, 787 and A350 inaugural flights.

In addition to the impressive passenger cabin, the ‘office’ of the aircraft is even more impressive.   The pilots flying the CS100 will enjoy a full ‘Glass Cockpit’ with the most advanced technology currently available.

two men in the cockpit of an airplane

What a fantastic place to work! Photo Courtesy of Vielfliegertreff’s (VFT) founding member ‘RCS’

Overall, I am excited about the Bombardier C-series aircraft, and despite a bit of mid-cabin noise and vibration, I am pleased with the passenger experience. I look forward to future SWISS flights featuring the CS100, and I think passengers flying short-haul routes served by SWISS and the CS100 are in for a pleasant flight experience.


a plane flying in the sky

SWISS’ New Zurich Lounges Part III:   The Business Class Lounge

SWISS’ New Zurich Lounges Part III: The Business Class Lounge

In the final ‘installment’ covering the opening of SWISS’ new lounges in Zurich, I’ll take a look inside their Business Class Lounge.    This new lounge, like the FIRST and SENATOR Lounges are located inside the airport’s ‘E’ Concourse.

The Business Lounge is the largest of the 3, covering 13,000 square feet and can hold up to 200 visitors at once.   It makes sense for this lounge to be the biggest, since it is the ‘easiest’ of all the 3 lounges to get in.

Like the SENATOR lounge, the Business Class Lounge offers guests 4 shower rooms as well as an upgraded food service.    Hot foods are prepared fresh in front of guests, and cold buffet offerings are present as well.   A self-serve bar is available as well and guests have access to an outdoor terrace.

Thanks again to VielFliegerTreff’s Ralf (RCS) for sharing his photos…….

a view of an airport from a window

Terrace access similar to First Class and Senator lounges

two chefs in a kitchen

Fresh food prepared in front of you!

a group of people sitting in a lounge

Looks better than most Business Lounges that I’ve seen!

a group of chairs in a room

Private rest areas

a shelf with food and bottles on it

a plane flying in the sky

SWISS’ New 777 – Photos, Photos, and More Photos!

SWISS’ New 777 – Photos, Photos, and More Photos!

Last week was an especially busy one for SWISS.

Not only did they open 3 brand-new lounges inside of Zurich’s ‘E’ Concourse, they also took delivery of their first Boeing 777.

Most of you are probably aware of the delivery and may have seen some of the ‘official’ photos.   However I think there may be a few shots in here that might be new to you.    A friend of mine, Ralf (RCS) from ‘VielFliegerTreff’ kindly shared his photos from his visit to Zurich to specifically tour the 777 as well as to see the new lounges.    You’ll see below that his photos go beyond the basic ‘vanity shots’ and take a detailed look at the aircraft’s interior and cabins.  I’ll let the shots tell the rest of the story!

If you missed the Lounge Photos, click HERE for the SENATOR LOUNGE and click HERE for the FIRST CLASS LOUNGE.

a plane flying in the sky

a jet plane spraying water on runway

Moments after arrival HB-JNA is christened at her new home in Zurich.

a jet plane on a runway

Christening complete…..

a large white airplane on a runway

Arriving at her gate

a close up of a plane

The base livery will be compliment by a unique livery set to be unveiled in the next few days.

the cockpit of an airplane

The 777’s cockpit

a seat in a plane

A very familiar SWISS Business class seat….among the best in the industry.

a bed in a plane

Business Class seat in ‘Sleep Mode’

a chair with a table and a small table a seats in a plane a seat on a plane a electrical outlet on a table

a row of seats in an airplane

Economy Class seat pitch

a screen on a tv

Economy Class IFE screen

a row of seats in an airplane

Economy Class cabin

a bathroom with a sink and toilet

Economy Lav

a row of seats in an airplane a row of seats in an airplane

 

a tv on a plane

First Class seat

a window with a light on it

On shade covers all 3 windows….a smart touch.

a screen with a map on it

The large TV screen is nearly as wide as the seating area.

a sink and mirror in a bathroom

First Class lav

a bed with pillows and a lamp on a window sill

First Class sleep mode….

a bag and other items on a counter

First Class Amenity Kit

a room with chairs and a lamp

a hallway with white cabinets and white countertops

Crew Rest Area

SWISS’ New Zurich Lounges Part II:  The Senator Lounge

SWISS’ New Zurich Lounges Part II: The Senator Lounge

In part I, we took a look inside of SWISS’ brand-new First Class Lounge that has opened in Concourse ‘E’ in Zurich.     This time, we’ll take a deeper look at the new SENATOR Lounge that opened at the same time.

This new lounge appears to set a new benchmark as far as ‘SENATOR’ Lounges are concerned.    The reason I say this is due to the amenities.    Guests visiting the lounge will be treated to experiences that are new for most SENATOR Lounges.

For example, 120 unique brands of Whiskeys from all around the world are the to satisfy even the most discerning fans.    Fresh hot food is prepared out in the open, in front of visitors.  In addition, a traditional self serve buffet will be available as well.    The lounge also has 4 shower rooms allowing guests to freshen up before, between, or after their flights.   The outdoor terrace that I mentioned in the FIrst Class Lounge post is also available to SENATOR Lounge visitors as well.

See what I mean when I say a new benchmark??

The lounge is fairly large.   At nearly 12,000 sq. ft., it is designed to accommodate 170 guests.    Doing the math, if the lounge were at capacity, 70% of the people in the lounge could each have a unique dram of Whiskey at the same time.  Impressive!

Here are several photos taken by VielFliegerTreff member Ralf (VFT Handle ‘RCS’) who was invited by SWISS to enjoy the opening day events…..

 

a white wall with red text on it

SENATOR Welcome Area

a room with couches and tables and chairs

12,000 Sq. Ft. of comfortable multi-purpose space.

a row of chairs in a room

Comfortable and secluded private area

a display of food on a counter

Self-Serve Cold Buffet

a shelf with bottles and glasses on it

Self-Serve Bar

a bar with bottles of alcohol

The very impressive bar, with 120 unique selections of Whiskey from around the world.

a restaurant with tables and chairs

Dining Area

two men standing in a kitchen

Fresh hot meals prepared in front of guests

a display of a wall with many different shapes and symbols

An interesting wall mural highlights the Swiss Alps

a bathroom with a mirror and sinks

Spacious Restrooms

a wooden deck with red benches and a person walking

An outdoor terrace is one of the lounge’s many highlights…..


a plane flying in the sky


a blue rectangle with white edge