The arrival of the DC-9 with Swissair meant the days of its last propliner were numbered, although as revealed in the August 25, 1966 issue of ‘Aeroplane’ there were some unexpected complications...
The Douglas DC-9 proved to be a popular type with many airlines around the world. The manufacturer’s ability to offer updated and stretched versions of the design only added to its appeal. Swissair as a long-standing Douglas customer, after a few initial issues with the type, went on to have a lengthy relationship with the DC-9 and its MD-80 derivatives
SWISSAIR and the DC-9
HERALDED BY an appropriately loud promotional fanfare, Swissair became the second European airline (after KLM) to introduce the DC-9 on Aug. 19, when the type took over Zurich-Basle-London day flights from Convair Metropolitans and also began serving Milan and Munich.