Better connections to Europe on Swiss' Singapore-Zurich flights

Swiss International Airlines will start flying between Singapore and its main hub at Zurich from next May. The new flights open up another route to one of Europe's most convenient connection airports -- on one of the world's most spacious business class seats -- to Australian passengers.

The Airbus A340-300 planes Swiss uses on the route have fully flat beds in a spacious staggered layout that means almost every seat on the plane has direct aisle access.

Singapore Airlines already flies the route using an Airbus A380, but the returning Swiss flights (not seen since 2009) are a welcome, complementary addition to the timetable.

Swiss will be flying overnight evening flights from Singapore to Zurich, with flight LX179 taking off at 2305 and arriving in Switzerland at 0610 the next morning.

That's ideal to connect to the Singapore-bound day flights from Australia, and reduces the Singapore layover by two hours compared with the existing Singapore Airlines flight to Zurich.

Return flight LX178 leaves Zurich at 2245 and gets into Singapore at 1710 the next day, ready for the overnight redeye to Australia. That's an even greater benefit, with Singapore Airlines' existing flight being an 1145 departure, arriving into Singapore at 0555.

And once you get to Zurich, a small terminal, fast connecting times and Swiss efficiency are an extra bonus.

"The highly efficient airport of Zurich is a great hub to transfer into the rest of Europe. The early morning arrival in Zurich and the new and advanced airport facilities are perfect for travellers who appreciate seamless connections," Anil Rodricks, Swiss' General Manager Australia promises Australian Business Traveller.

Rodricks is keen to spruik the new flights for Star Alliance connections: "With compatibility of flights and tickets within the Lufthansa Group and with easy access to Star Alliance Partner destinations worldwide, the new SWISS flight via Singapore offers more choice and better connections for our customers in Australia and New Zealand."

Bookings open 8 October for flights starting 12 May.

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John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.