SWISS’ first A350-900 has recently broken cover as left the hangar with its now complete livery. The airplane is set to be delivered soon and marks the beginning of SWISS’ fleet transition from the A340 to the A350.
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.
