The special livery that Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will be applying to its first Airbus A350-900 is a playful, creative and story-packed homage to Switzerland that blends imposing structures with further famous landmarks and motifs of traditional arts and sports events. Each of its illustrations captures a facet of SWISS’s home country to tell the story of its places, its people and their culture. And its ‘Wanderlust’ name communicates our yearning to travel, discover and explore the wider world.

The first-ever flying art gallery

The individual behind the special ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery is Swiss artist Frédéric Siegel, who is well known for his unique illustrations and animations. With his creative presentations of the various motifs featured, Siegel has transformed SWISS’s first Airbus A350-900 into the world’s first-ever flying art gallery. On the aircraft’s fuselage and engine nacelles will be depicted both the traditional and the modern, all presented with creative flair and a light-hearted wink. The motifs were also inspired by the work of the author Ina Haller from Aarau. She wrote a short story depicting a journey through Switzerland, reflecting the connection between past and present in a unique way.

A homage to Switzerland

“This special livery is our flying declaration of our love for Switzerland,” says SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach. “It’s a confirmation of how close we feel to our home country; and it’s an invitation to everyone to discover and explore it in all its uniqueness in a playful and creative way. We’re proud to present Switzerland in all its diversity all over the world in such a special way.”

New aircraft, new era

When it receives its first Airbus A350-900, SWISS will be taking off into a new era of even greater efficiency and even more sustainability. The airline will take delivery of ten of these advanced and fuel-efficient long-haul twinjets over the next few years. The first aircraft, sporting the special ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery, should enter service in late summer of this year – with Freddie, Helvetia and the marmot on board.  

The motifs featured in the special ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery 

The further illustrations featured in the first SWISS Airbus A350’s special ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery include:

• a marmot, a much-loved emblem of the alpine world;
• the apple shot through by Wilhelm Tell, the legendary Swiss folk hero;
• Helvetia, the personification of Switzerland (complete with sunglasses and lounger!);
• a treasure chest representing the online Swiss-wide treasure hunt that is a further feature of the special livery concept, which forms part of the online prize competition.