Swiss airline Edelweiss is modernising its long-haul fleet with the acquisition of six Airbus A350-900s.
The first example will arrive in Zürich in summer 2025 with the rest to follow in a staggered fashion. The twin-engine jets will replace five A340-300s, which will return the airline’s fleet to a pre-COVID-19 level.
The A350s will be former LATAM Airlines aircraft. The Swiss carrier states: “Due to worldwide material shortages and reduced maintenance and engineering capacities, the first four aircraft will initially operate in the original operator's configuration with slight modifications to the cabin and Edelweiss design. Edelweiss will install a completely new cabin configuration with new seats and interior design at a later date.”
Edelweiss states that the greater range of the more modern aircraft will open up new holiday destinations flown direct from Switzerland. It is also keen to point out that the A350-900 “consumes 25% less fuel and produces 25% less CO2 than the four-engine Airbus A340-300, and noise emissions are up to 50% lower.”
Edelweiss CEO Bernd Bauer said: "The modernisation of the long-haul fleet is a milestone in Edelweiss' almost 30-year history. Edelweiss will thus operate one of the youngest long-haul fleets in Europe from 2026."
