SWISS is converting its purchase options for ten more latest-generation Airbus A320neo family aircraft into firm orders. The new aircraft – seven A320neos and three A321neos – will join the SWISS fleet in 2023 and 2024. The total investment amounts to around USD 1 billion, based on list prices.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is taking a further major step in the modernization of its short- and medium-haul aircraft fleet. The airline is converting present purchase options for ten latest-generation New Engine Option (“neo”) aircraft of the Airbus A320 family into firm orders.

The new firm order is for seven Airbus A320neos and three A321neos, which will all be delivered in 2023 and 2024. The new orders are in addition to the ten A320neos and five A321neos that SWISS already has on order, which will join the fleet between 2019 and 2022 to replace older A320s and A321s.

Quieter and more efficient

“We are delighted that, in committing to these quieter and more efficient models of the tried-and-trusted Airbus A320 family, we can further advance the modernization of our European aircraft fleet,” says SWISS CEO Thomas Klühr. With their advanced engine technologies and their aerodynamic wingtip ‘sharklets’, the new aircraft consume up to 20% less fuel per seat-kilometre.

The aircraft of the Airbus A320neo family are also equipped as standard with noise-reducing vortex generators, which help ensure that on takeoff an A320neo produces a ‘noise footprint’ on the ground that is some 50% smaller than those of comparable aircraft. Once all its Airbus A320-family neos are in service, SWISS will operate one of Europe’s youngest aircraft fleets.