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.

Edelweiss traditionally names its aircraft after regions, towns or mountains in Switzerland where the edelweiss flower is native. In doing so, the airline not only emphasises its deep roots in Switzerland, but also gives each aircraft a symbolic connection to a specific region where edelweiss actually grows.

David Birrer, Chief Operating Officer of Edelweiss, emphasises: "The Airbus A350 represents a new era for Edelweiss: it is quieter, more efficient and more comfortable. It is no coincidence that our second Airbus A350 also bears a name from the Engadin – because this region stands for natural beauty, power and vision like no other. These are qualities that our newest fleet member also embodies.‘

The symbolic choice of name is not only pleasing to the airline, but also to the region itself: Emilio Bianchi, member of the board of directors of Corvatsch Diavolezza Lagalb, says: ’We are proud that, for the second time, an Edelweiss aircraft bears the name of an Engadin peak. Piz Palü is a landmark of the region – knowing that it is now flying around the world on an aircraft gives our Alpine homeland a very special boost."
As a token of appreciation, Edelweiss received a picture of Piz Palü from the renowned nature photographer Romano Salis. This special gift underlines the emotional significance of the name choice and the long-standing partnership.

The Airbus A350 ‘Piz Palü’ is in service on various long-haul routes – not only flying travellers to dream destinations, but also carrying a piece of the Engadin mountains out into the world. Its name evokes the power, tranquillity and beauty of the Alps – and awakens wanderlust as soon as you board.

Today, Thursday, an Edelweiss Airbus A350 took off for the first time on a long-haul flight—destination: Las Vegas. With 200 passengers on board, the launch marks a significant moment in the airline's history. The new aircraft not only represents state-of-the-art technology, but also a more comfortable, quieter, and more sustainable flight experience.

To celebrate the occasion, an exclusive souvenir awaited each seat: a specially designed "Remove before 1st Flight" tag with an engraved plaque featuring the individual seat number. This personalized souvenir is intended to make the first Airbus A350 long-haul flight unforgettable for all guests.

With the Airbus A350, a new era in long-haul flights begins for Edelweiss. The aircraft will gradually replace the existing Airbus A340s. This modern wide-body aircraft sets new standards in several areas: It consumes around 25 percent less fuel, emits correspondingly less CO₂, and is up to 50 percent quieter than its predecessor.

Edelweiss will now fly three times a week from Zurich to Las Vegas with the new Airbus A350. The next stage of the fleet modernization will follow soon: the second of a total of six Airbus A350 aircraft is expected in Zurich at the end of June. This will operate daily on the Zurich-Vancouver route starting July 1.

Today, Tuesday, Edelweiss celebrated the inaugural flight of their new Airbus A350 to Tenerife at Zurich Airport. The festive occasion was opened with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, where the entire management team of Edelweiss, consisting of Bernd Bauer, CEO, Patrick Heymann, Chief Commercial Officer, David Birrer, Chief Operating Officer, and Markus Gander, Chief Product Officer, together with Stefan Tschudin, Chief Operation Officer of Zurich Airport, as well as the crew, cut the symbolic ribbon. The joy over this special milestone was palpable among both the guests and the employees.

After boarding, the 307 guests on board were warmly welcomed and received a glass of champagne as a special start to the flight, setting the mood for the upcoming journey. As an exclusive keepsake, each seat was adorned with a special "Remove before 1st Flight" tag, featuring a small plaque individually engraved with the respective seat number – a personal memento that makes this historic day unforgettable for the guests.

Before departure, Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss, expressed his enthusiasm: "Today is a historic day for Edelweiss. It is not only the first scheduled flight of a Swiss airline with an Airbus A350 – we are making a clear statement for our future. With the Airbus A350, we have one of the most modern and efficient aircraft in its class. Today marks a milestone on our path to a more responsible future of holiday flying."

The Airbus A350 stands for maximum efficiency and environmental compatibility: thanks to state-of-the-art technology, the aircraft consumes up to 25 percent less fuel than comparable models and consequently produces less CO₂ emissions. At the same time, it offers guests a particularly quiet flying experience, generous space, and modern cabin features.

The Airbus A350 took off on time at 11:15 AM from Zurich towards the popular holiday island of Tenerife.

Initially, the Airbus A350 will be used on short and medium-haul routes to familiarize the crews with the new aircraft type. In addition to Tenerife, holiday destinations such as Faro, Ibiza, Heraklion, Palma de Mallorca, Antalya, and others will also be served with the Airbus A350 in the coming weeks. From May 15, 2025, it is planned to operate on long-haul routes, starting with Las Vegas.

Edelweiss, Switzerland's leading leisure airline, has officially unveiled its first Airbus A350. A ceremony took place in an aircraft hangar at Zurich Airport on Thursday afternoon, March 27, 2025. The first of six modern long-haul aircraft was not only welcomed but also christened "Piz Bernina." Representatives from the Engadine region and invited guests attended this special occasion. During the event, guests were given the exclusive opportunity to view the interior of the new Airbus A350 for the first time.

Unique in the history of Edelweiss
This was unprecedented in Edelweiss's history: all previous and current CEOs of the airline were present at this christening. Niklaus Grob, who founded Edelweiss Air AG together with Kuoni Reisen AG on October 19, 1995, was the airline's first CEO. He was succeeded in 2002 by Karl "Charly" Kistler, who not only served as CEO but also as captain. Bernd Bauer has been CEO of Edelweiss Air AG since 2014.

New standards in efficiency, comfort and environmental friendliness
Latest-generation engines and the use of lightweight materials make the twin-engine Airbus A350 one of the most fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft. It consumes up to 25 percent less fuel and therefore produces 25 percent less CO₂ than the four-engine Airbus A340-300. Noise emissions are also up to 50 percent lower. The Airbus A350 has an even longer range than the Airbus A340, allowing for direct connections to new holiday destinations with Switzerland in the future.

Significantly better travel comfort
The aircraft features 246 Economy Class seats, 63 Economy Max seats with extra legroom and a wide recline, and 30 Business Class seats that convert into a flat bed. All passengers benefit from one of the most modern in-flight entertainment systems with large, high-resolution screens, as well as USB power and power outlets at every seat. Business Class passengers can even enjoy films and series on a 19-inch screen.

For guests, the new aircraft means an even more relaxed and pleasant travel experience. The spacious "Airspace" cabin of the Airbus A350 features wide aisles and large-capacity overhead bins. Thanks to the modern cabin, the aircraft also has a very quiet passenger compartment, which contributes significantly to improved travel comfort. Edelweiss guests will also appreciate the improved air quality in the future. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, you can breathe fresh air from every seat on the aircraft without drafts and enjoy the natural light that streams in through the 30% larger panoramic windows.

Comprehensive modernization from the end of 2026
Due to global 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 the Edelweiss design. A complete rebuild is planned for the end of 2026, during which the cabin elements will be comprehensively modernized, offering guests an even more comfortable travel experience. The rebuild will also include the installation of a Premium Economy cabin and onboard internet access. Edelweiss is investing a three-digit million euro amount in this. In November 2025, Edelweiss will announce what the new Airbus A350 cabin will look like.

From April onwards, travelling with guests for the first time
The first commercial flight of the Airbus A350 is scheduled for April 1, 2025. Initially, the aircraft will be used on short- and medium-haul flights to familiarize crew members with the new aircraft type. The inaugural flight will be from Zurich to Tenerife. Other destinations in the first few months include Faro, Ibiza, Heraklion, Palma de Mallorca, Antalya, and others. From mid-May 2025, the Airbus A350 will be used on long-haul flights, starting with flights to Las Vegas.

Today was a historic day for all aviation enthusiasts and Swiss aviation: The first Swiss-registered Airbus A350 arrived at Zurich Airport this afternoon. The aircraft, with the registration HB-IHF, had previously taken off from Lourdes Airport (LDE).

During its approach to landing, the modern long-haul aircraft provided an additional moment that gave us goosebumps: After a planned go-around maneuver, the Airbus A350 performed a lap of honor over the airport before finally landing safely on runway 16 at 3:13 p.m.

Accompanied by follow-me vehicles, the aircraft taxied down the runway and was ceremoniously greeted with a water salute by the fire engines of Zurich Protection & Rescue. The Airbus A350 then headed to its stand, B38. More than 100 employees and Edelweiss management were already waiting there to properly welcome the newest member of the fleet and the flight crew.

Great interest from aviation enthusiasts
Hundreds of spectators, aircraft spotters, and aviation fans gathered at Zurich Airport today to experience this historic moment up close. Hours before the scheduled arrival, many secured the best seats to watch the spectacle up close. Observation deck B, the parking garages with ideal views of the runway, and the numerous spotting points around the airport were particularly popular. With cameras, binoculars, and full of anticipation, the fans eagerly followed the long-awaited landing.

Airbus A350: An environmentally friendly and economical aircraft
The Airbus A350 sets new standards in efficiency with state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding aerodynamics. The aircraft is considered one of the most environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world. 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 percent less fuel and therefore produces 25 percent less _CO2 than the four-engine Airbus A340 it replaces. Noise emissions are also up to 50 percent lower.

Edelweiss is procuring a total of six highly efficient and low-emission Airbus A350-900 aircraft. By mid-2027, the existing five Airbus A340-300 long-haul aircraft will be replaced, and Edelweiss' long-haul fleet will be restored to its pre-coronavirus level of six aircraft.

Next Thursday afternoon, March 13, 2025, marks a milestone in Swiss aviation history. For the first time, an Airbus A350 with Swiss registration will land at Zurich Airport. Edelweiss' first Airbus A350, with the registration HB-IHF, will depart from Lourdes Airport (LDE) as flight WK5159 and is expected to arrive in Zurich at 3:00 PM.

The observation deck offers the best view of the new aircraft
After landing, the Edelweiss Airbus A350 will be greeted with a traditional water salute directly in front of Observation Deck B. The new flagship will then roll to its stand, where approximately 100 Edelweiss employees and guests will ceremoniously welcome the aircraft.

Regular scheduled service starts on April 1, 2025
With Tenerife, Edelweiss enters the new Airbus A350 era. Initially, the Airbus A350 will fly short- and medium-haul routes for crew training. Then, starting in mid-May 2025, the long-haul route will begin with Las Vegas. With the entry of the second Airbus A350 into service at the beginning of July 2025, the Zurich-Vancouver-Zurich route will be served daily.

To mark the upcoming introduction of the new Airbus A350, Edelweiss is modernizing the look of its fleet. Both the distinctive red nose and the Edelweiss flower will be retained in a revised design. White will also continue to be used as the main color, unchanged.

Well-known and proven in a modern appearance
The unmistakable edelweiss flower continues to be emblazoned on the tail fin. The colors blue, white, and yellow remain, but the flower's contours are finer, giving it a more modern appearance. Thanks to the enlarged red area, one petal of the edelweiss flower now extends to the fuselage. The edelweiss is visible on the inside of the sharklets on the wingtips, making it a popular photo subject for passengers on board.

The distinctive red color continues to make Edelweiss aircraft instantly recognizable. The red surface of the vertical stabilizer (tail fin) now extends to the fuselage and curves upwards. This curved shape is echoed by the nose, resembling a wave.

Nina Wach, Head of Brand Management & Marketing Communication at Edelweiss, is looking forward to seeing the first Airbus A350 with the modernized design and is already looking ahead: "In addition to the six Airbus A350s, we will gradually repaint the existing Airbus A320 fleet with the adapted design. However, this will happen during the already planned repaints and will take place over the next few years."

The first of six Airbus A350s is currently in a shipyard in Shannon, Ireland, where it is receiving its new livery. In the coming months, modifications to the aircraft's interior will progress until it makes its first flight to Edelweiss passengers in spring 2025.

The color blue dominates the cabin of the Airbus A350
The existing seating on the Airbus A350 will be retained for the time being and completely redesigned in the second half of 2026. This will create 30 seats in Business Class. Economy Max has 63 seats with more space between them, and Economy Class has 246 seats. The 339 seats are upholstered in blue Edelweiss fabric. Economy Class and Economy Max are equipped in a 3-3-3 configuration, while Business Class has a 2-2-2 configuration. Business Class features a wider seat pitch, generous legroom, and exceptionally wide seats, which can be folded flat for sleeping. 9-inch screens are installed in Economy and Economy Max, and 19-inch screens in Business Class. All seats are equipped with a power outlet and a USB port.

Edelweiss will be the first airline in Switzerland to put the Airbus A350 into service next year. According to current planning, the first of six aircraft will join the Edelweiss fleet in early April 2025. Before the aircraft is deployed on long-haul routes, it will fly to various short- and medium-haul destinations in the first few weeks.

Las Vegas and Vancouver are the first long-haul destinations
Las Vegas will be the first long-haul destination Edelweiss flies to with the Airbus A350. Starting in mid-May 2025, the aircraft will operate three times a week on this route. With the addition of the second Airbus A350 starting in early July 2025, the Zurich-Vancouver-Zurich route will be served daily.

The third Airbus A350 will join the Edelweiss fleet at the beginning of October 2025. The fourth will arrive in winter 2025, and aircraft numbers 5 and 6 will arrive in the second half of 2026.
Tickets for long-haul flights on Edelweiss' Airbus A350 will be available for booking from mid-May 2024 at flyedelweiss.com and through all usual sales channels.

Airbus A350: An environmentally friendly and economical aircraft
Edelweiss is procuring six highly efficient and low-emission Airbus A350-900 aircraft. By mid-2027, the existing five Airbus A340-300 long-haul aircraft will be replaced, and Edelweiss' long-haul fleet will be restored to its pre-coronavirus level of six aircraft.

The design of the Airbus A350 sets new standards in efficiency with state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding aerodynamics. It is one of the most environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world. 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 percent less fuel and therefore produces 25 percent less _CO2 than the four-engine Airbus A340-300 it replaces. Noise emissions are also up to 50 percent lower.

Edelweiss is procuring six highly efficient and low-emission Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These will be gradually added to the Edelweiss fleet starting in summer 2025. By the end of 2026, the existing five Airbus A340-300 long-haul aircraft will be replaced, and Edelweiss' long-haul fleet will be restored to pre-coronavirus levels.

Edelweiss CEO Bernd Bauer: "The modernization of the long-haul fleet is a milestone in Edelweiss's almost 30-year history. Edelweiss will thus operate one of the youngest long-haul fleets in Europe starting in 2026."

The Airbus A350-900 has an even greater range than the Airbus A340-300, allowing new holiday destinations to be directly connected to Switzerland in the future. For passengers, the new aircraft offers an even more relaxed and pleasant travel experience. The spacious "Airspace" cabin of the Airbus A350-900 features wide aisles and large-capacity overhead bins. Thanks to the modern cabin, the aircraft also has a very quiet passenger compartment, which contributes significantly to improved travel comfort. Edelweiss guests will also appreciate the improved air quality in the future. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, every seat on the aircraft breathes fresh air without drafts and enjoys the natural light that streams in through the 30% larger panoramic windows.

The aircraft, previously operated by LATAM Airlines, will initially have 339 seats and offer Edelweiss' renowned comfort in all classes: 246 seats in Economy Class, 63 seats in Economy Max with more legroom and greater recline, and 30 seats in Business Class that convert into a flat bed. All guests will benefit from one of the most modern in-flight entertainment systems with large, high-resolution screens and USB power outlets at every seat. Business Class passengers can even enjoy films and series on a 19-inch screen.

Due to global 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 the Edelweiss livery. Edelweiss will later install a completely new cabin configuration with new seats and a new interior design. This will significantly enhance the comfort and travel experience for all guests. Edelweiss is investing a three-digit million euro amount in this project.

An environmentally friendly and economical aircraft
"The design of the Airbus A350-900 sets new standards in efficiency with state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding aerodynamics. It is one of the most environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world," continued 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 percent less fuel and therefore produces 25 percent less _CO2 than the four-engine Airbus A340-300. Noise emissions are also up to 50 percent lower.

According to current planning, the first Airbus A350-900 with the Edelweiss livery will arrive in Zurich in summer 2025 and will be deployed on Edelweiss' entire long-haul network, which includes over 20 destinations in North, Central, and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean.