ALC 777-300ER

Switzerland’s flag carrier Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss) has made a commitment to order six Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) aircraft as part of its fleet renewal programme.

The aeroplanes are valued at $1.9bn and will be used to replace the carrier’s existing long-haul fleet.

Boeing noted that it would be working with Swiss to finalise the details, with them being posted on its orders and deliveries website once complete.

Swiss chief executive officer Harry Hohmeister said: "We have made a landmark decision to further invest in an advanced aircraft fleet to retain our competitive edge over many of our competitors who are operating aircraft with more than 300 seats on similar routes."

Boeing 777 programme vice president and chief project engineer Bob Whittington said: "With these airplanes, SWISS will be able to offer wider seats, wider aisles, more headroom and more seating flexibility."

"With these airplanes, SWISS will be able to offer wider seats, wider aisles, more headroom and more seating flexibility."

Powered by GE90-115B engines, the 777-300ERs can accommodate up to 386 passengers in a three-class configuration.

The airliner, which is an extended version of twin-engine 777-300, has a maximum range of 7,825nm.

Swiss, which is a part of the Lufthansa Group, operates flights to 69 destinations in 37 countries worldwide from Zurich, Basel and Geneva international airports and operates a fleet of more than 90 narrow and wide-body jetliners.

Earlier this month, US-based Air Lease (ALC) placed a $3.2bn firm order with Boeing for ten twin-engine, long-haul 777-300ER (extended range) airliners.

Image: A Boeing 777-300ER jetliner in Air Lease Corporation (ALC) livery. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

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