Back to the future with "HB-IFA"

The preparations for introducing our brand-new Airbus A350 into service are in full swing. There is still some time before we can welcome the first aircraft into our fleet. The future registration numbers are already known.

Excitement is building as we prepare to introduce our brand-new Airbus A350. Behind the scenes, countless dedicated SWISS employees are working tirelessly to prepare for the entry into service of the latest generation of aircraft in our fleet.

The new A350s will take off with the registration numbers HB-IFA, -IFB, -IFC, -IFD, and -IFE. Looking back in history reveals that HB-IFA was already flying with the legendary Swiss cross almost 60 years ago. From 1966 to 1968, a brand-new Douglas DC-9 in the service of Swissair flew with this registration.

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On 15 July 1966, the Douglas DC9-15 joined the Swissair fleet of the time. The aircraft had a range of around 2300 kilometers. This corresponds approximately to the route Zurich - Marrakesh (MAR).

Registration numbers in aviation

In the world of civil aviation, aircraft registrations play an important role in identification. Since 1944, it has been mandatory for every aircraft used in international aviation to carry a registration number. In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) is responsible for coordinating this.

For airplanes, helicopters, balloons and airships, the registration number consists of three letters in addition to the preceding country code (HB for Switzerland). The first letter of the registration number after the country code contains information about the type of aircraft. The letters I and J stand for aircraft weighing over 15 tonnes. The second letter is chosen for an aircraft type (e.g. A350 or A320neo). The third letter is by no means chosen at random. At SWISS, the first aircraft of each new model is given the first letter of the alphabet:

For example:

  • A221: HB-JBA
  • A223: HB-JCA
  • A320neo: HB-JDA
  • A321neo: HB-JPA
  • A330: HB-JHA
  • A340: HB-JMA
  • B777: HB-JNA
  • A350: HB-IFA

The "A-Team" of SWISS

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HB-JBA (Airbus A221) is the world's first aircraft of this type and has been operating short-haul flights for SWISS since June 2016. (Image: Markus Guler)
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HB-JCA is an Airbus A223 and is the "big brother" of the Airbus A221. In numbers: it is 3.7 meters longer and has 20 more seats. (Image: Markus Guler)
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HB-JDA (Airbus A320neo) is the first aircraft in the Airbus NEO series in the SWISS fleet and has been in service on short-haul routes since February 2020. "NEO" stands for "New Engine Option". (Image: Markus Guler)
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HB-JPA (Airbus A321neo) is the extended version of the A320neo and has been flying on short and medium-haul routes for SWISS since September 2020. (Image: Markus Guler)
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HB-JHA is an Airbus A330. This aircraft was used for the first time in April 2009 and today mainly serves destinations on the east coast of North America, India and Dubai. (Picture: Markus Guler)
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HB-JMA (Airbus A340) is our "oldie" and, despite its advanced age (June 2003), continues to operate with above-average reliability. A tireless workhorse. (Image: Markus Guler)
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HB-JNA (Boeing 777) has been operating long-haul flights for SWISS since January 2016. (Image: Markus Guler)
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HB-IFA (Airbus A350) is the first of five aircraft of this ultra-modern type that will gradually join us from 2025. (Image: rendering)

First aircraft with new cabin interior

The A350 with the aircraft registration HB-IFA will be the first aircraft with the new cabin concept and will offer our customers a completely new travel experience. According to current planning, the first two aircraft A350 will be delivered in 2025. The remaining three will follow in 2026. As previously announced, the other long-haul fleets are also being modernized. The refurbishment of the first A330 will be completed in the second half of 2026, with the refurbishment of the first B777 to follow at a later date. The reason for this is the ongoing challenging situation at various suppliers.

Selected aircraft registration codes in Switzerland:

  • HB-A: Twin-engine turboprops from 5.7 to 15 tons, since 2019 also other commercial aircraft (as I and J have been used up)
  • HB-B: Balloons (hot air and gas)
  • HB-F: Aircraft of Swiss production
  • HB-H: Swiss-made single-engine aircraft under 5.7 tons
  • HB-I: Aircraft over 15 tons
  • HB-J: Aircraft over 15 tons (when HB-I is used up)
  • HB-K: Single-engine aircraft under 5.7 tons
  • HB-L: twin-engine aircraft under 5.7 tons
  • HB-M: Aerobatic aircraft
  • HB-O: On application for single-engine Piper
  • HB-P: Single-engine piper under 5.7 tons
  • HB-Q: Balloons (when HB-B is used up)
  • HB-R: Oldtimer
  • HB-V: Business jets under 15 tons
  • HB-X: Helicopters
  • HB-Z: Helicopter (when HB-X is used up)

Text: Diego Oppenheim

Publication date: 25.03.2024