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The MD-11, for which Swissair had been a launch
customer, was used initially, but was not an ideal
choice and beginning in June 2003, SWISS began
to replace them with A340-300s, creating a fleet
that peaked at 15 aircraft. The A330-200s were also
replaced with A330-300s, which provided more
seats at a similar operating cost. In Europe, the
regional jets and turboprops disappeared, the A320
group was tweaked and the Avros soldiered on.
THE SEARCH FOR A REPLACEMENT —
WITH LONDON CITY CAPABILITY
But these Avros had accumulated quite a few
cycles — one was over 20 years old. They were
also an older technology and were somewhat fuel
thirsty; yet they remained because they had a vital
capability — the ability to operate from London's
City Airport (LCY). Nonetheless, the search for a
replacement was undertaken and, after considerable
research SWISS and the Lufthansa Group opted
for the still-in-development Bombardier C Series
(CS100). The aircraft offered the necessary range/
payload requirements and, most importantly, could
operate from LCY.
The commitment to the C Series has had some
challenging moments as the aircraft fell far behind
schedule and financing wore thin. The folks at SWISS
were candid in their worries as to whether or not
the aircraft would a) ever come to be and b) live up
to promised specifications. Yet now, as the number
of aircraft in service continues to grow, the wait
and the investment appear to have been vindicated.
THE FIRST commercial
flight of the C series
ferried Star Alliance
CEOs and journalists
from Dublin to Zurich.
SWISS