Swissair, express Europe in the Lockheed Orion
In the early 1930s, Swissair inaugurated express services with the Lockheed 9 Orion. Zurich - Munich - Vienna became one of Europe's first express air services, soon joined by Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Basel and Geneva.
This plan highlights Swissair's reputation for safety and regularity, but also the relative modernity of a fast single engine aircraft announcing more efficient commercial aviation.
Swissair express lines of the early years.
Save time without sacrificing safety.
Fast, modern for its era, retractable gear.
Major cities, Alpine terrain and changing weather.
Understanding the flight
Swissair sells serious aviation: safety, maintenance, experienced pilots and capable equipment. The Orion makes that discourse visible.
The direct Vienna-Geneva route can be flown high, but the Alpine path through Innsbruck, Bad Ragaz, Ulrichen, Raron and Sion makes the flight far more interesting.
Before departure
- Choose the Lockheed Orion if available, or a fast 1930s single engine aircraft.
- Keep clear weather over the Alpine arc so the valley routing remains meaningful.
- Prepare altitudes before Vienna-Geneva: 10000 to 11000 feet gives a good compromise.
- Fly cleanly with stable arrivals: Swissair is told through regularity.
Suggested route
Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin
Amsterdam, Le Bourget and Berlin place Zurich inside a European express network.
EHAM → LFPB → EDDB
Munich, Vienna and Alps
Munich and Vienna open the Alpine crossing through Innsbruck, Bad Ragaz, Ulrichen, Raron, Sion and Geneva.
EDDB → EDDM → LOWW → LOWI → LSZE → LSMC → LSMN → LSGS → LSGG
Basel and Zurich
Basel and Dübendorf close the plan on the airline's Swiss heart.
LSGG → LFSB → LSMD
Experience tips
The Lockheed Orion brings speed, but keep patient approaches: the contrast is very pleasant.
The Alpine variant is the most beautiful part of the plan. In bad weather, delay rather than flatten it.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2013