Swiss International Air Lines is dealing with a weight problem on certain aircraft earmarked to receive its new first-class seating.
A BALANCING ACT
Airlines have to juggle many things at once.
They try to reduce the weight of their aircraft to cut carbon emissions and fuel costs.
Yet, at the same time, they are eager to introduce new and improved service offerings.
However, this sometimes comes along with some unforeseen issues.
SWISS FIRST CLASS SEATING
The new first-class seats, branded “Swiss Senses”, were announced last year, for the 2025-2026 season.
The airline announced a “made-in-Switzerland” experience for passengers, with up to 37 square foot “suites” in first-class seats (suites).
These seats indeed offer increased privacy and thus elevate flying experiences for premium passengers.
The seating features sliding doors and “walls” between passengers.
In a statement, Swiss said that as industry trends mean that first and business class seats get heavier (to provide more privacy) and economy seats get lighter, “these two contrasting trends are changing the center of gravity of the aircraft in which such seats are installed.”
HEAVIER AIRCRAFT
CNN reports that the new SWISS first-class seats are available on certain SWISS aircraft. The Airbus A330 aircraft, in particular, presents a problem for SWISS.
CNN says the aircraft’s centre of gravity is impacted, leaving the front of the aircraft too heavy. It states that SWISS will fit a “balancing plate” at the back of these planes, to recenter the balance of the aircraft.
SWISS will also be retrofitting Boeing 777s with these new seats yet there is no weight issue for this aircraft. Its Airbus A340s will not receive the new premium seating.
SUSTAINABILITY POINT OF VIEW
Some airlines have removed first-class cabins altogether, claiming them to be expensive real estate.
Offering a first-class cabin takes up valuable space which could be filled with more economy class seating.
However, a first-class cabin can be a defining product for the airlines providing it.
Some airlines (like SWISS) have a significant number of passengers who seek premium services.
