In a new route expansion, Swiss will be launching two new routes while upgrading two existing routes. These are positive developments for the airline. As a Star Alliance member, Swiss will offer enhanced connectivity between Zurich and partner United Airlines' hub in Washington D.C. using Airbus A330 aircraft.

Swiss A330
Swiss will be using Airbus A330s on flights to Washington D.C. Photo: Swiss

Swiss service to Washington D.C.

From March 29th, 2020, Swiss will launch daily service to Washington D.C. with Airbus A330-300 aircraft. These seat 236 passengers in a three-class configuration. There are eight first class seats, 45 business class seats, and 183 economy seats on the Lufthansa Group airline's A330-300s. Along with United's route between the two cities, this will bring 14 weekly services on Star Alliance metal between Washington D.C. and Zurich.

Swiss A330 turning
With the new A330 flights, there will be 14 weekly flights between Washington D.C. and Zurich on Star Alliance carriers. Photo: Swiss

For the summer of 2020, Swiss will fly the following schedule. All times are in local time zones.

Zurich to Washington D.C. on LX70 will depart Zurich at 13:45 and arrive in Washington on the same day at 17:00. Meanwhile, the return flight from Washington D.C. to Zurich on LX71 will depart Washington D.C. at 20:35 and arrive the following morning at 10:40.

Additional flights to Osaka

Furthermore, Swiss is introducing a five-weekly flight from Zurich to Osaka. These flights will start on March 1st, 2020. For this route, Swiss will use Airbus A340-300 aircraft with 223 seats. Like the A330s, the A340s are in a three-class configuration. These aircraft seat eight first class passengers, 47 business class passengers, and 168 economy passengers.

Airbus A340
Swiss will fly Airbus A340 aircraft between Zurich and Osaka. Photo: Swiss

In the summer of 2020, Swiss will fly from Zurich to Osaka on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The return flights from Osaka to Zurich will depart on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

LX162 from Zurich to Osaka will depart at 13:00 and arrive the next morning at 7:50. The return will depart at 10:05 and arrive at 15:45 on the same day.

Swiss A340-300
Swiss will fly Airbus A340-300s on a five-weekly schedule between Zurich and Osaka. Photo: Swiss

How will Swiss do this?

Swiss will place two new Boeing 777-300ERs into service during the first quarter of 2020. These new aircraft will allow Swiss to expand its route network. Although the 777s will not fly these specific routes, the Boeing 777-300ERs will be used to upgrade additional services. Tokyo will receive the Boeing 777-300ER in Swiss livery. Meanwhile, during the summer of 2020, Boeing 777-300ERs will operate all services between Zurich and Miami.

Boeing 777-300ER
Two new Swiss Boeing 777-300ERs will allow Swiss to upgrade services on key routes. Photo: Swiss

The onboard product

The onboard Swiss first class product is a suite-style experience that offers larger square footage and more personal service. Interestingly, Swiss is one of a few European legacy carriers that can make long-haul first class work.

Swiss First
Swiss First Class on an Airbus A340. Photo: Swiss

Meanwhile, business class is in a staggered configuration. The most coveted of these seats are "throne seats". These are window seats that offer direct aisle access and a tremendous amount of storage.

Swiss 777 J Throne seat
Swiss 777 Throne Seat in Business. Photo: Jay Singh/Simple Flying

The Swiss A330s and A340s feature a comfortable 2-4-2 configuration. Onboard, passengers will find complimentary meal service on long-haul flights and personal seatback screens.

Swiss Economy
Economy Class on a Swiss Airbus A340. Photo: Swiss

Overall

Greater connectivity is good for passengers. With these new flights, passengers have new options to travel between Europe and Asia or North America. Thanks to the new Boeing 777s, Swiss can expand their route network and upgrade services.

Will you fly on these new Swiss routes? Let us know in the comments!