Premiere: The First A350 with a Swiss Cross

The new Airbus A350 from SWISS shines in its fresh paintwork, making a bold statement. For the first time, a Swiss cross adorns the tail fin of an A350. The five distinctive letters on the fuselage also make it clear that the aircraft will soon take to the skies for SWISS.

After the final assembly in the Final Assembly Line (FAL), the paint was applied in a specially designated hangar in Toulouse. This process is carried out with the highest precision by hand. The paintwork must meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

SWISS' first Airbus A350 undergoes a 12-day painting process, featuring five layers of paint and covering 2,100 m².

The shining white serves many purposes
The paintwork protects the aircraft structure from corrosion, particularly the aluminum on doors, flaps, and wing components. It also reduces the impact of UV radiation, making the material more durable. Aerodynamically, it offers advantages as well: The smooth paint surface reduces air resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Light colors, especially SWISS’s white, reflect sunlight and prevent excessive heating of the aircraft structure.

Eco-friendly and advanced painting techniques for the airbus A350
The painting process in Toulouse follows the latest environmental standards. The fuselage and wings are painted separately, while the engine nacelles are coated by their respective manufacturers. Paint is applied using electrostatic spray guns, ensuring uniform coverage and efficient use of resources. In total, approximately 2,100 m² of surface area is painted. Airbus exclusively uses polyurethane paints with low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content to minimize environmental impact.

Paint for 10,000 m² of surface area
These paints meet the latest environmental regulations and help reduce emissions. On average, an Airbus A350 receives five layers of paint, covering about 10,000 m² of surface area. This requires approximately 1,200 liters of paint. Once complete, the total weight of the paint on the aircraft is around 320 kg.

The duration of the painting process depends on the complexity of the design. Simple liveries can be completed in seven days, while intricate custom designs may take up to 18 days. The painting of SWISS's A350 took 12 days.

The first Airbus A350 from SWISS initially appears in its natural form, still without the classic red-and-white livery, after the final assembly in the Final Assembly Line.
The first Airbus A350 from SWISS initially appears in its natural form, still without the classic red-and-white livery, after the final assembly in the Final Assembly Line.
The painting of the A350 begins with the precise application of white paint on the underside, meeting both aesthetic and functional requirements, such as protection against corrosion and UV radiation.
The painting of the A350 begins with the precise application of white paint on the underside, meeting both aesthetic and functional requirements, such as protection against corrosion and UV radiation.
The red SWISS livery is applied to the fuselage of the A350, marking the airline's characteristic color scheme and giving the aircraft its unmistakable identity.
The red SWISS livery is applied to the fuselage of the A350, marking the airline's characteristic color scheme and giving the aircraft its unmistakable identity.
For the first time, an Airbus A350 carries a Swiss cross on the tail fin, making it a special aircraft for SWISS and highlighting its distinctive design.
For the first time, an Airbus A350 carries a Swiss cross on the tail fin, making it a special aircraft for SWISS and highlighting its distinctive design.
HB-IFA in its classic red-and-white livery, just after the completion of the painting process.
HB-IFA in its classic red-and-white livery, just after the completion of the painting process.

Special livery coming in june

Initially, the first A350 of SWISS will shine in the classic livery. In June, the aircraft will be adorned with the special "Wanderlust" livery, which will decorate it for about 12 months. After that, the elements of the special livery will be removed, and the aircraft will return to its familiar appearance for regular service.

Text: Diego Oppenheim & Balthazar Schwager
Image & Video: Airbus

Published on March 20, 2025

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