SWISS’s last MD-11 bows out

The sole remaining SWISS Boeing MD-11 performed its last commercial flight in SWISS colours last week from Chicago to Zurich, concluding a further chapter in Swiss aviation history. SWISS has replaced its MD-11s with the state-of-the-art Airbus A340.

The Boeing MD-11 provided sterling service linking Switzerland with the world for over 13 years. The trijet was principally deployed on long-haul services, carrying the Swiss cross to destinations such as Tokyo, São Paulo and Johannesburg. SWISS had assigned its last remaining MD-11 – registration HB-IWE – to the Zurich-Chicago route in the 2004 summer schedules, which have now come to an end. Following its withdrawal, the carrier will operate an all-Airbus A330/A340 long-haul aircraft fleet. 

The Airbus A340 is a state-of-the-art aircraft which is far easier on the environment in noise and pollutant emission terms. On Zurich-Chicago services, for example, it consumes between 12 and 15 per cent less kerosene than its predecessor.

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