In 2025, SWISS introduced all new cabins for its long haul aircraft (including a new first and business class), in a project that’s known as SWISS Senses. SWISS is part of Lufthansa Group, so these cabins are essentially identical to the new Lufthansa Allegris concept, but with different branding.
These new SWISS Senses cabins were first rolled out on newly delivered Airbus A350-900s, though we know that SWISS also plans to reconfigure its existing jets with these new seats. There’s an exciting update, as it sounds like the first Airbus A330-300 will be reconfigured with SWISS Senses cabins in the very near future.
SWISS Senses coming to Airbus A330-300 fleet soon
SWISS management has confirmed that SWISS Airbus A330-300s will start to be reconfigured in the coming weeks. Initially the plan was for this project to start in the 2025-2026 winter season. Now, technically the IATA winter season goes through late March, so I suppose the airline may officially stick to that timeline.
It always takes longer for the first aircraft to be reconfigured, given that new seats have to be certified on the aircraft. We know that Lufthansa Group has had quite some challenges with certification of new cabins, so we’ll see how this all plays out, since the airline group doesn’t have a great track record.
However, assuming things go relatively smoothly, the plan is reportedly for the retrofit project to be put into full motion starting in the middle of 2026, with one plane being reconfigured every six weeks.
SWISS’ fleet consists of 14 A330s, so you’d expect the entire project to take right around 84 weeks, or a little over 19 months. Realistically, I expect it’ll either be very late 2027 or early 2028 before the A330 project is done.
The plan is then to reconfigure the fleet of 12 Boeing 777-300ERs. It remains to be seen with exactly what timeline this starts. The project could start once the A330 retrofit is complete, or who knows, it could also start before then.
How the layout of SWISS Airbus A330-300s will change
As SWISS reconfigures its Airbus A330-300s, what should we expect, exactly?
Currently, SWISS’ A330s have 236 seats, including eight first class seats, 45 business class seats, and 183 economy class seats.
Once reconfigured, SWISS’ A330s will have 225 seats, including three first class suites (one double suite), 43 business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 151 economy class seats.
So we’re now doubt seeing a significantly better product across the board. However, with the introduction of SWISS Senses, we’re seeing a five seat reduction in first class, a two seat reduction in business class, a new premium economy cabin with 28 seats, and a 32 seat reduction in economy class.
One wild aspect of the SWISS Senses cabin on the A330 is that the first class is apparently too heavy for the plane, and could cause a weight and balance issue. As a result, the airline is installing a 1.5-ton weight in the back of the aircraft, to prevent that from being an issue. That’s not exactly ideal, eh?
Anyway, I’m going to be very curious to see how these A330s look once reconfigured. The cabins of these planes are tired, and in particular, SWISS’ A330 business class leaves a lot to be desired.
It remains to be seen how tight the premium cabins on these planes feel, though. In economy, the A330 is a joy, given its 2-4-2 layout (meaning each row has two sets of seat pairs). The overall cabin is 17 inches narrower than on the A350 (where the SWISS Senses cabins debuted), so I’m sure this will be felt in business class, though the first class cabin feeling is what interests me most.
Keep in mind that there’s a double suite in center of first class, and that feels tight on the A350, assuming you’re two people (it’s the same as in Lufthansa Allegris). I have to imagine it’ll feel significantly more constrained on the A330.
Bottom line
In the coming weeks, SWISS is expected to start retrofitting its Airbus A330 fleet with new cabins. The plane will be getting the new SWISS Senses concept with four classes of service. While SWISS Senses debuted on the A350, it’s great to see the carrier’s tired A330s get some love as well.
Here’s to hoping the certification process goes smoothly, given Lufthansa Group’s track record.
What do you make of SWISS’ A330 retrofit plans?
