blitzen

Technikchef... this job title isn’t really a normal used title if I would be pressed to translate it would be Chief Technology Officer

San Gottardo

But where would they put it? There really isn't any space?

havane2009

I am trying to figure out what is the old vs. new seat map difference?
Thanks

ced_lx

Well for one, the new seat map will show 4 more seats in Economy apparently. The rest is all speculation. Even the 2nd lavatory isn't sure from what I read. Since the cabin isn't wider like the 777, I don't think we will see much difference in the seating arrangment for C and F.

Nick Art

I just flew HB-JMC from Geneva to Zurich yesterday. It's always fun flying such a short route on such a big plane and as I arrived in GVA with only 25 minutes to connect (including going through passport control and second screening) I can now officially say a Swiss A340 has been waiting for me :P
(I was impressed by how well organized connection travel is in ZRH and GVA on Swiss! Even though we arrived at a satellite gate in GVA. First Bus with only 5 other people in it and people calling us and guiding us in front of every line (passport control and security screening as well as them waiting for us at the gate itself!)

But as of now no A340 has even started being refurbished. You can still see all six aircraft currently flying on flightradar24.com and the stewardess I spoke to told me it'll still be some time before the old Swiss First Class will be gone (aka a few months). Meanwhile I'll hope I'll get the chance to fly the old Swiss First Class one more time.
I somehow just always liked the old interior of the A340s... It just reminds me of earlier travel times and how things in travel used to be..., getting me all nostalgic right now :P
But sadly I don't see that happening because A.) I don't usually fly First and B.) I won't have any travel plans involving a flight that long that would be served by an A340.

ced_lx

Yep, this is now officially delayed:

SWISS is subject to supplier delays for the refurbishment of its Airbus A340-300X aircraft, according to a report citing internal documentation from the carrier (Aargauer Zeitung, 08-Apr-2018). SWISS plans to continue operating five A340-300Xs, with the rest being gradually replaced by Boeing 777-300ERs. SWISS initially planned to complete the refurbishment before summer 2018, however the timetable has been revised to spring 2019. The bulk of delays are reportedly related to implementation of new first class seating.

Looking forward to my last trip on the old F.

worldclubber

Enjoy!To me that's a bummer, as I had my farewell trip in the old F this spring and was looking forward to the new F on the A343 later this year. But, as long as the seat works, I don't mind the old F too much.

Hardy

Could this thread be added to the Master Thread new LX Eco Biz & First Class sticky? Makes it easier to find any updates on the topic...

Nick Art

Nick Art

The A340 refurbishment is further delayed with the first A340 beginning its refurbishmeant in late 2018.
All A340 should however be ready for the summer shedule 2019.

newflyer530

3 out of the 7 weekly ZRH-PVG runs will be op by A333 starting 18 winter schedule, looks like they will finally start pulling A343 out of service for refurbishment?

Nick Art

Indeed. I also see two weekly frequencies to JNB moved to A330. (also the most expensive First Class fares I have ever seen on swiss: 6k (pretty normal for the outbound), but 14k! only for the inbound)

Strangley on the days operated by an A330 to PVG I wasn't able to find a single free First Class seat...
EDIT: I checked with Amadeus and it seems that on neither of the PVG flights operated by A333 there is any F or A (First) Class available. Strange... so on 3 out of 7 weekly flights there will not be any First Class available.

Btw does anybody know what's up with HB-JMH going to Amman three days ago? Considering Swiss does not fly there I find this rather suspicious. Especially since it's been there since 11th June. Maybe the cabin renovation is done there?
Could also be that this plane is being prepared to be transfered to Edelweiss Air, although as far as I know that would have been HB-JMD...

bawm

The 333 doesn't have a proper crew rest area (whereas the 343 does). Since the PVG flight is 12:00 block time, most likely they are using the F cabin as the crew rest.

bawm

Nick Art

How come the JNB flights operated by A333 have 10:30 block time, yet on the F is available. Does that 1:30 really make a difference? I thought crew rest was required from 08:00 upwards.

airoli

Yes. Rest requirements also vary with block time, for both cabin and flight deck crew.