Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss is acquiring six Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which will join its fleet in a staggered manner from summer 2025. By the end of 2026, the existing five A340-300s will be entirely replaced and Edelweiss’ long-haul fleet will be restored to pre-Corona levels.
“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” announced Edelweiss CEO Bernd Bauer. “Latest generation engines and the use of lightweight materials make the twin-engine Airbus A350-900 one of the most fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft. It consumes 25 per cent less fuel and produces 25 per cent less CO2 than the four-engine Airbus A340-300, and noise emissions are up to 50 per cent lower” he added.
The news aircraft, previously operated by LATAM Airlines, will initially have 339 seats and offer the proven Edelweiss comfort in all classes: 246 seats in Economy Class, 63 seats in Economy Max with more legroom and greater reclining angle and 30 seats in Business Class that can be converted into a flat bed. All guests benefit from one of the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems with large, high-resolution screens and USB power at every seat. Guests in Business Class even enjoy movies and series on a 19-inch screen.
Due to worldwide material shortages and reduced maintenance & 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. This will once again significantly enhance comfort and the travel experience for all guests. Edelweiss is investing a three-digit million sum for this.
The first Airbus A350-900 in the Edelweiss design will arrive in Zurich in summer 2025 and will be deployed on Edelweiss’ entire long-haul network. This includes over 20 holiday destinations in North, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.