The first Swiss Airbus A340 with a completely refurbished interior in all three seating cabins took off from Zurich earlier on its first revenue flight.

The aircraft, HB-JMH, departed on flight LX160 to Tokyo.

HB-JMH is the first of five Swiss Airbus A340s to receive this nose-to-tail cabin refurbishment.

The aircraft will be put into service one after the other and, according to current planning, all five A340s will be overhauled by the summer of this year.

The refurbishment program entails the development and installation of new first, business and economy class seats, a new in-flight entertainment system that offers internet connectivity, new galleys and the comprehensive modernisation of the entire interior (including a new lighting concept) in all three seating cabins.

The overhaul offers passengers additional benefits and increases comfort on board Swiss’ Airbus A340s compared to the Boeing 777.

In addition to Tokyo, Swiss’ Airbus A340s will also be used on flights to Boston, Johannesburg, Shanghai and Tel Aviv.

Swiss has five A340s in its long-haul fleet, 14 Airbus A330s and ten Boeing 777-300ERs.

The airline currently offers 24 long-haul destinations.