Final assembly of the first Airbus A350-900 for SWISS begins

At the Airbus plant in Toulouse, one of the most modern production sites in the aviation industry, the final assembly of the first Airbus A350-900 for SWISS has begun. Over the coming years, a total of ten aircraft of this modern long-haul jet will join the fleet.

Airbus employs a decentralized manufacturing system for the production of the A350. Key components such as wings, fuselage segments, cabin interiors, and computer systems are manufactured at various European sites using state-of-the-art technology. They are then transported to Toulouse, where the final assembly takes place.

SWISS Airbus A350 front part in the Airbus Factory in Toulouse
In the impressive hangars in Toulouse is the Final Assembly Line (FAL), where the various parts are brought together to form an aircraft. © Markus Löhn, LHG

Delivery by truck and cargo aircraft

The transportation of components depends on their size and weight. While smaller parts are transported by truck to southern France, the specially designed Airbus transport aircraft "Beluga" handles the air transport of larger components. With a capacity of up to 51 tons, the transport aircraft can, for example, carry two A350 wings simultaneously. The "Beluga" plays a key role in the decentralized production concept, ensuring efficient logistics.

Two wings of an A350-900, each 32 meters long and weighing 15 tons, fit simultaneously into the "Beluga".
Two wings of an A350-900, each 32 meters long and weighing 15 tons, fit simultaneously into the "Beluga". © Airbus

Decentralized production world of Airbus

Airbus' decentralized production system is both complex and efficient. The components of our Airbus A350-900 are manufactured at the following locations:

  • Cockpit and radome ("nose") in Nantes (France)
  • Forward fuselage in Nordenham (Germany)
  • Main fuselage in Nantes (France)
  • Aft fuselage in Nordenham and Stade (Germany)
  • Wings in Stade, Bremen (Germany), Illescas (ES), Broughton (United Kingdoms)
  • Tail and vertical stabilizer in Stade (Germany)
  • Horizontal stabilizer in Getafe (Spain)
  • Engine mount in Toulouse (France)
Complex and at the same time efficient: Airbus' decentralized production world.
Complex and at the same time efficient: Airbus' decentralized production world. © Airbus

Final assembly in the "Final Assembly Line"

In the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, the final assembly of the first A350-900 for SWISS, registered as "HB-IFA," has now begun. Experienced specialists integrate electronic systems, install the cabin interior, and check structural connections. Every detail is meticulously aligned to meet the highest quality and safety standards. The assembly of the second aircraft, with registration "HB-IFB," will commence in the coming weeks.

The tailfin is the only part that is delivered already painted from Stade in Germany to Toulouse. The aircraft is painted only after final assembly.
The tailfin is the only part that is delivered already painted from Stade in Germany to Toulouse. The aircraft is painted only after final assembly. © Markus Löhn, LHG
"Marriage" is the term used in aviation to describe the moment when the wings of an airplane are attached to the fuselage. (
"Marriage" is the term used in aviation to describe the moment when the wings of an airplane are attached to the fuselage. ( © Markus Löhn, LHG

In a later production phase, the cabin will be installed: Preassembled seats for First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class, as well as other interior fittings such as galleys and partitions, are delivered directly to Toulouse by the respective manufacturers and installed there. The new seats are a key element of SWISS Senses, which will provide passengers with a unique travel experience in the future.

Testing and delivery

Once the aircraft is largely completed, it is painted and labeled. It then undergoes a series of rigorous tests, including comprehensive system checks, pressure tests, and initial engine runs. Only after successful testing is it approved for delivery.

The Airbus A350-900 is characterized by high fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. Additionally, its modern engines reduce noise emissions by more than 50%. Soon, the Swiss cross will adorn one of the most modern long-haul aircraft in the skies, ensuring passengers reach their destinations in comfort.