Grand Slam champion named godfather of Swiss’s first Airbus A350

After the successful maiden flight from the Airbus factory in Toulouse to Zurich and the much-noticed landing at the airport last week, After the successful maiden flight from the Airbus factory in Toulouse to Zurich and the much-noticed landing at the airport last week, the first Airbus A350 of the Swiss airline Swiss has now officially been given a name.

On Tuesday morning (October 14, 2025), the newest member of the fleet was ceremoniously named “Lausanne” in a hangar at Zurich Airport. Three members of the Swiss Executive Board were present: CEO Jens Fehlinger, Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach, and Chief Operating Officer Oliver Buchhofer.

In keeping with the aircraft’s name, the two sponsors also came from western Switzerland. Stan Wawrinka, three-time Grand Slam tennis champion and Lausanne native, was the prominent guest of honor at the ceremony.

At his side was Rayan Favre, who had earned his place in this special moment through a competition organized by Swiss. In a touching video, the aviation enthusiast expressed his passion for aviation and various beautiful places in Switzerland—thus beating out 99 other competitors.

To protect the brand-new aircraft from potential damage, Swiss dispensed with the traditional champagne bottle. Instead, the two godparents ceremoniously lifted a cloth, revealing the name «Lausanne»—already known but previously hidden.

A350 as a symbol of innovation and premium quality

CEO Jens Fehlinger spoke of a milestone for the company. The A350 marks the beginning of a completely new era of flying for Swiss—one that aims to appeal to all of its travelers’ senses. This includes a revised service concept, a new food and beverage offering, and upgraded lounges. «The A350 symbolizes the airline’s core values such as innovation, premium quality, sustainability, tolerance, and openness,» he said.

CCO Heike Birlenbach emphasized that it’s a fantastic feeling to be able to open this chapter now—many developments that have been long-awaited are now coming together. The cabin is carefully coordinated down to the last detail, and concepts like personalization and individualization characterize the new premium onboard experience.

«For Swiss, premium does not mean luxury for its own sake, but above all attention and perfection in dealing with guests—the fine sense for responding to individual wishes and making travel a very personal experience,» said Birlenbach.

COO Oliver Buchhofer, a pilot himself, was visibly moved by the sight of Swiss’s first A350. With a smile and shining eyes, he confessed that his fingers tingled when he saw the aircraft. «My goal is to fly it myself one day,» Buchhofer said. He noted that the new aircraft’s efficiency was particularly impressive: the A350 consumes around a quarter less fuel than its predecessors.

The second of a total of ten A350s ordered is expected to join the fleet before the end of the year.