The delivery of the new Airbus A350 marks a further milestone in the SWISS story. And to mark the occasion, the first of these brand-new long-haul SWISS twinjets has been given a very special look. It may appear to be a sophisticated paint job; but the elaborate new livery has actually been achieved through the use of specially certificated precision-cut films. It’s an innovation for Airbus, too: never before has one of its aircraft had so much film so extensively applied.

An artwork through precision
The application of the artistically designed motifs onto the new aircraft required the most careful preparation. The specialists at Airbus used tailored 3D software to project the designs onto the airframe, and then divided the resulting ‘picture’ into some 360 precision-cut films. Each of these was then applied manually to the millimeter to its assigned location on the fuselage or the engine nacelles. Each of the motifs thus consists of multiple painstakingly-matched film elements, which collectively cover a total area of some 380 square meters. Airbus even developed a special procedure for the project that pays due and full regard to all the relevant safety, durability and aerodynamic requirements, while still maintaining all the livery’s artistic merit and appeal.

The special livery for SWISS’s first Airbus A350 is a playful, creative and storied homage from the company to its Swiss roots and home. Its various motifs include famous buildings, well-known landmarks and traditional sports and cultural events. Each illustration thus captures a key facet of Switzerland, ranging from its natural attractions to its people and its cultural variety.

Ready for takeoff – and further tests and trials
SWISS’s initial Airbus A350 – which is also the world’s first ‘flying art gallery’ – will soon be taking to the skies. Before it is delivered to Switzerland in late summer, though, the new long-haul twinjet will complete its final preparations at Airbus in Toulouse. There, as part of the flight line, the aircraft will have its engines and all its systems thoroughly checked and tested, and will also perform its first pre-delivery flights.