Swiss to donate final Airbus A340 to Swiss Museum of Transport

Swiss International Air Lines and the Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz) have announced a joint project to preserve the airline’s final Airbus A340-300. The aircraft is intended to be integrated into the aviation exhibition in Luzern by early 2028.

The project faces significant technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles. The 125-ton aircraft must be transported from Zurich Airport to Luzern and positioned on the museum grounds. Costs for transport, structural adjustments, and interior design are estimated to be in the high single-digit millions. The museum aims to secure these funds through third-party sources, including foundations, patrons, and companies, by the end of 2026.

The retirement of the A340-300 at the end of 2027 will mark the end of the four-engine passenger aircraft era for Swiss. The plane is planned to be displayed in the outdoor area in front of the Aerospace Hall, with its interior designed to be showcased in various ways.