SWISS Unveils A350 With New Film-Based Livery, First in the World

TOULOUSE- SWISS International Air Lines (LX) has recently unveiled its inaugural Airbus A350-900 featuring a distinctive ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery at the Airbus facility in Toulouse (TLS). This exceptional aircraft is adorned with artwork celebrating Swiss landmarks and culture, utilizing a precision film application technique that is a first for Airbus.

The fuselage of the A350-900 showcases intricate designs that represent cities such as Bern (BRN), Geneva (GVA), Zurich (ZRH), and others. Before it enters service later this summer, the aircraft will undergo final testing procedures in Toulouse.

SWISS A350 Wanderlust Livery

This livery represents more than just aesthetic appeal; it is an engineering and artistic marvel. Unusual for an aircraft, Airbus and SWISS have implemented 360 individually cut pieces of precision film, applied meticulously by hand onto the fuselage.

This innovative technique covers around 380 square meters of surface area, making it the first of its kind in aircraft customization on this scale for Airbus.

Utilizing advanced 3D software, the design was accurately mapped and sectioned to ensure safety and aerodynamic effectiveness, thus preserving the aircraft’s form and function while highlighting Swiss culture through visual storytelling.

Celebration of Iconic Swiss Locations

Every segment of the aircraft is dedicated to showcasing a specific Swiss city or region, including:

• Bern (BRN) – Showcases the Federal Parliament, city bears, and the boating culture along the Aare River.
• Geneva (GVA) – Highlights the Jet d’Eau and the city’s role in international diplomacy.
• Locarno – Represents the Locarno Film Festival and its Golden Leopard award.
• Lucerne – Features the Chapel Bridge, the Mount Rigi cable car, and a steamer from Lake Lucerne.
• Montreux – Displays Freddie Mercury’s statue alongside Chillon Castle and the city’s jazz heritage.
• St. Moritz – Depicts horse racing on frozen lakes, signifying Alpine luxury.
• Wengen – Includes the famous Lauberhorn ski races and the Schilthorn cable car.
• Zurich (ZRH) – Showcases Bahnhofstrasse, the Grossmünster Cathedral, and the Guardian Angel statue.
• Basel (BSL) – Recognizes Art Basel, the Tinguely Fountain, and Rhine ferries.

The design also features national symbols such as Wilhelm Tell’s apple shot, Helvetia, and the alpine marmot, further emphasizing the cultural narrative of SWISS.

Testing Procedures and Community Engagement

The aircraft is set to stay at the Airbus site in Toulouse for final ground checks, engine tests, and pre-delivery flights. The official delivery and the entry into service of this aircraft in SWISS’s long-haul fleet is expected in late summer 2025.

Alongside this, SWISS has initiated an interactive online treasure hunt at swiss.com/treasurehunt. This initiative allows participants to explore the livery through augmented reality (AR), where they can seek out hidden symbols and cultural aspects, with winners receiving an opportunity to experience the new Business Class cabin aboard the A350.

This project required Airbus to develop a sophisticated application method that combines artistry with aerodynamic principles. Each design element was meticulously calculated for curvature and airframe compatibility before being cut into precise film segments. Teams applied these pieces by hand, ensuring that they remained durable and well-balanced across the fuselage and engine nacelles.

For Airbus, this marks a pioneering approach to aircraft liveries, paving the way for customized non-painted designs without sacrificing structural integrity or safety standards.

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