Swiss airline’s first A350-900 takes flight and waves to the crowd from Toulouse

SWISS’s first A350-900 has finally taken to the skies, marking its debut with a graceful wing wave over Toulouse that delighted onlookers and aviation fans alike.

The moment signaled not just another routine test flight, but the symbolic start of a new era for the Swiss flag carrier’s long-haul fleet.

This sleek, next-generation Airbus jet represents both a nod to the past and a bold step toward a more sustainable future.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a true Airbus send-off without a little aerodynamic showmanship before heading back to the hangar.

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SWISS’s first A350-900 will feature the airline’s new seat products

SWISS’s first A350-900 will soon join the airline’s expanding intercontinental network, likely serving flagship routes between Zurich and key destinations such as New York, Singapore, and Tokyo.

The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, promises a quieter, smoother, and far more fuel-efficient ride than the aging A340s it replaces.

The cabin will also see a complete refresh, offering new First Class and Business Class products inspired by the latest Swiss design ethos: clean, minimalist, and unmistakably elegant.

In short, it’s a very Swiss way of saying ‘welcome aboard.’

The A350-900 is part of Airbus’s cutting-edge family of long-range jets, known for their composite fuselage, advanced aerodynamics, and impressive efficiency gains.

As global carriers modernize their fleets to meet carbon reduction goals, the A350 has become the go-to aircraft for balancing performance with environmental responsibility.

SWISS’s first A350-900 revenue passenger flight will be to Palma de Mallorca on October 25, while its first long-haul service will be to Boston on November 20.

The wing wave is usually reserved for ‘waving’ hello – or goodbye

But let’s talk about that wing wave, because it’s more than just a cool party trick.

When a new aircraft completes its maiden flight, the pilots often perform a gentle side-to-side roll as a salute to the crowd, engineers, and assembly teams watching from below.

It is also done when an aircraft is being retired, like this emotional farewell for Virgin Atlantic’s ‘flying billboard’ Boeing 747.

This maneuver is possible thanks to the aircraft’s flexible wings and fly-by-wire control system, allowing for a graceful motion that looks like the plane is ‘waving’ hello – or goodbye.

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