SWISSAIR LAUNCHES NEW FIRST CLASS SERVICE ON ALL ROUTES

New service likened to “flying in a private jet”

Swissair has introduced its new First Class service on all international routes, including Zurich to Hong Kong, bringing unparalleled standards of space, luxury and comfort to today’s discerning air travellers.

An integral feature of the airline’s extensive, fleet-wide refurbishment project, which focuses on enhanced personal attention and choice, the new First Class cabin accommodates just twelve seats in a 1-1-1-1 configuration to guarantee spaciousness and seclusion, prompting some passengers to liken the experience to “flying in a private jet”.

Developed by leading Swiss architect and interior designer Tilla Theus after long consultations with top customers, the state-of-the-art seat can be adjusted to any position at the touch of a button, including a full size 2 metre x 60cm bed that comes complete with a soft duvet and real down pillows to ensure a restful overnight sleep. The armrests automatically fold down to become an extension of the mattress, resulting in all important extra width. At the same time, privacy panels rise out of the chair’s body for total seclusion from other travellers. Other notable features include an adjustable ottoman foot rest; four pre-set seat positions; the largest dining table ever flown in any First Class (enabling two people to dine comfortably together) and a generously sized personal TV screen.

All aircraft offer an enormous selection of inflight entertainment, including personal videos and a collection of newspapers and periodicals to rival any well stocked newsstand. For those who prefer to work inflight, there is a laptop port in every First Class seat: each aircraft carries the relevant adaptor for added customer convenience.

Dining in Swissair First Class continues to be an unforgettable gastronomic experience, with eight delectable hot and cold choices. The menus have been developed by two world-class Swiss chefs – Roland Pierroz and Philippe Rochat - each of whom has achieved near perfection status by the authoritative French restaurant guide, GaultMilleau. Swissair is committed to using mostly organic produce from its home country and recipes are developed in line with the airline’s natural gourmet™ programme, which focuses on natural, fresh ingredients developed in a light and creative style.

The Wine List in First Class is another treat. Pierroz and Rochat have selected a number of wines, taking special care to harmonize them with the individual courses. For those who prefer to select their own, there are more than a dozen fine vintages to choose from.

Meanwhile, Swissair’s legendary service continues to reach new heights. Taking care of individual requests, small or large, is an “Air Concierge” (also the maître de cabin) who attends to details such as booking or cancelling flights, relaying latest sports results, reserving hire cars or mobile phones and sending personal messages or gifts on behalf of passengers.

This service is enhanced by the airline’s Seamless Customer Service – a centralised Passenger Care Centre that passengers can contact at any time. The programme records special requests and other important details, feeding them into a processing system which is then relayed to every customer contact point – from ticket purchase to check-in, the lounge, the gate and finally to the cabin crew, helping each journey live up to expectations.

Swissair has been serving Hong Kong since 1957 and, together with Sabena, currently flies to 170 destinations worldwide. From November 4th, the airline will increase its schedule to six weekly Swissair flights and four code-share flights operated by Cathay Pacific, making a total of ten overnight flights per week on the Zurich-Hong Kong route.