One year of Airbus A350 at Edelweiss

Exactly one year ago, an Edelweiss Airbus A350 took off from Zurich for the first time, bound for Tenerife. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Edelweiss and Swiss aviation. Twelve months later, it's clear: the Airbus A350 has not only proven its worth in everyday operations but has also become a central component of the fleet.

Strong performance and reliable operation
The first aircraft of this type, HB-IHF, has since covered approximately 3.98 million kilometers. This is equivalent to more than ten trips to the moon. A total of 845 flights have been conducted with this aircraft, carrying 211,745 passengers, including 14,001 children and 2,307 infants.

Operationally, the Airbus A350 also impressed with its high reliability. The aircraft logged a total of approximately 4,722 flight hours, equivalent to almost 200 days, during which time it flew to 26 different destinations.

The aircraft was used particularly frequently on routes to Pristina, Vancouver, and Las Vegas. On the Zurich-Pristina route, 71 rotations were operated, carrying over 15,000 passengers. Popular holiday destinations such as Ibiza and Edinburgh, as well as long-haul routes to North America, were also among its most important areas of operation.

The aircraft's performance is also reflected in the volume of cargo transported. Over 178,000 pieces of luggage, totaling 2,784 tons, and 1,289 tons of freight were transported by the Airbus A350 HB-IHF in the last 12 months.

Fleet expansion and new long-haul cabin from 2026
The expansion of the Airbus A350 fleet is proceeding according to plan. Following the first aircraft in April 2025, three more Airbus A350s joined the fleet in July and October 2025, and in January 2026. Edelweiss currently operates four aircraft of this type and successfully deploys them on long-haul routes.

An important next step is the introduction of the new long-haul cabin. Under the motto "More space to feel good," Edelweiss combines a modern design with high-quality materials, a calming color palette, and state-of-the-art technology. Guests in all travel classes benefit from enhanced comfort, while Business Class now also offers suites with closable doors for added privacy. The travel experience is further enhanced by modern technologies such as high-resolution screens, Bluetooth audio , and complimentary high-speed internet from Starlink for all passengers.

The first aircraft with the new cabin is expected to enter service in December 2026, with flights bookable from summer 2026. Further converted Airbus A350s will follow gradually until summer 2027, at which point Edelweiss's entire Airbus A350 fleet will be fully equipped with the new cabin concept. In total, Edelweiss's Airbus A350 fleet will eventually consist of six aircraft.