Newest SWISS A330-300 named Appenzell

The SWISS Airbus A330-300 with registration HB-JHJ was today named "Appenzell" in a ceremony at Zurich Airport. Appenzell district councillor Lydia Hörler-Koller performed the naming ceremony, accompanied by Marcel Klaus, Chief Financial Officer SWISS.

"We are delighted to have Appenzell act as the symbolic godparent of our HB-JHJ aircraft,” said Marcel Klaus. “With its distinctive landscape, carefully cultivated traditions and culinary specialities, Appenzell embodies classic Swissness, which is a significant element of our culture and our brand." Lydia Hörler-Koller added: "As the new aircraft’s symbolic godparent, we hope to raise the profile of the Appenzell region among visitors from within and beyond Switzerland and promote its unique attractions." Immediately after the naming ceremony, "Appenzell" departed for Miami on its first flight as the region’s ambassador.

HB-JHJ entered commercial service with SWISS as the fleet’s tenth Airbus A330-300 in January 2011. Its arrival completed the first phase in the integration of this technically advanced long-haul aircraft into the SWISS fleet. A further five A330-300s will join the SWISS long-haul fleet from 2012 onwards.

The Airbus A330-300 consumes some 13% less fuel per passenger than its predecessor model. On board, it features the latest in Business Class comfort with a fully flat air-cushion bed and the redesigned First Class cabin. The A330-300 is currently deployed by SWISS on its services to New York, Chicago, Montreal, Dubai/Muscat, Mumbai, Delhi, Nairobi/Dar es Salaam and Douala/Yaoundé, and on some Miami flights.