Swiss International Air Lines, selected Dubai as the first destination on its worldwide network to welcome the inaugural flight of its new Airbus A340-300 flagship from Zurich, during the phase-in of the nine aircraft to the fleet.

Felix Rodel, area manager for Swiss International Air Lines, Arabian Gulf, said of the inaugural flight: “We are honoured that Dubai was chosen as the destination for this inaugural flight. With the addition of the new Airbus A340-300 aircraft to the fleet, we are looking to further improve our offering, while we also now operate one of the youngest fleets in the industry.”
The aircraft is the first delivery from Airbus Industrie of nine A340-300 - seven to be delivered by the end of the year - and a further two in 2004.
“We are highly appreciative that Swiss chose Dubai for the first flight of the new A340 - this really demonstrates their commitment to the region. We will always strive to offer the ultimate in service to all airlines and passengers,” said Mohammed Al Tayer, director of public relations, Department of Civil Aviation.
Switzerland’s national carrier has placed great emphasis on comfort and service in all three cabins including a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system offering various options from individual video choice to Internet facilities.                                                            
The SWISS flagship features a new generation of ergonomic seats in all three cabin classes, providing all passengers with substantially more legroom.
The A340-300 carries 228 passengers in a three-class layout: eight in first; 48 in business and 172 in economy class.
The new flatbed seats in Business Class are arranged in three pairs abreast, therefore removing the unpopular middle seat.