The Airbus A320neo represents a new generation of aircraft characterized by greater efficiency and an improved environmental footprint. Thanks to state-of-the-art engine technology and aerodynamic enhancements, the Airbus A320neo consumes significantly less fuel and consequently produces less CO₂ emissions and noise compared to previous generations.

The new aircraft also offers advantages for passengers: The cabin impresses with a modern appearance, improved comfort and a more pleasant travel experience.

The first commercial flight of Edelweiss's new Airbus A320neo is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026. The aircraft will take off for Larnaca in the morning, followed by another flight to Rhodes in the afternoon.

With the introduction of the Airbus A320neo, Edelweiss is further advancing the continuous renewal of its fleet and making a targeted investment in more sustainable and future-oriented aviation. Edelweiss will add a total of six Airbus A320neo aircraft to its fleet by 2028.

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, in close cooperation with its sister company SWISS, thoroughly inspected all aircraft last night and carried out the necessary software updates on schedule. The entire A320 fleet is fully operational. There was no impact on our passengers. All flights operated without restrictions or delays.

Three weeks ago, Edelweiss announced that it would be expanding its short-haul fleet with an Airbus A320 and an Airbus A320neo. This modernisation programme is now being consistently continued.

The Airbus A320neo combines state-of-the-art engine technology from Pratt & Whitney with optimised aerodynamics. New, quieter and more powerful engines and sharklets on the wingtips reduce drag and increase operational efficiency. This enables longer ranges, more economical flight profiles and reliable operations even at airports with shorter runways or in regions with high temperatures. At the same time, passengers benefit from more comfortable cabin furnishings with more storage space.

With the addition of these five aircraft, Edelweiss' short-haul fleet will not only be younger, but also more versatile and powerful. The investment strengthens the airline's position at its Zurich hub, increases operational flexibility across its entire route network and underlines Edelweiss' long-term commitment to sustainable, technology-driven growth – for the benefit of passengers, the environment and competitiveness. 

With this fleet expansion, Edelweiss is strengthening its position at the Zurich hub and entering the Airbus A320neo, the successor model to the Airbus A320.

‘I am delighted that Edelweiss is continuing to develop on short- and medium-haul routes and that we are taking an important step towards modernising our short-haul fleet with the first Airbus A320neo. The aircraft combines state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly technology with greater comfort for our guests,’ says Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss.

The Airbus A320neo consumes at least 15 per cent less fuel than its predecessor, reduces emissions and is significantly quieter. These advantages not only improve the environmental balance, but also create additional opportunities for use on longer routes. 

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.

On Saturday evening, the first aircraft with the modernized Edelweiss livery landed in Zurich. The Airbus A320, registration HB-JJL, was repainted in Norwich, UK. After arriving in Zurich, the aircraft will be used on Edelweiss' short- and medium-haul routes.

Harmonization of the appearance of the entire Edelweiss fleet
To mark the introduction of the new Airbus A350s, Edelweiss is modernizing the appearance of its entire fleet. While the six future Airbus A350s are already being introduced with the new livery, the entire Airbus A320 fleet will also gradually receive the revised design. The repainting of Edelweiss's Airbus A320 fleet will take place as part of the regular maintenance cycles and will extend over the next few years.

Modernized design with recognition value
Both the distinctive red nose and the Edelweiss flower remain in the updated design. The signature Edelweiss flower remains as a logo on the tail fin, but appears with finer contours and a modernized design. The red color now extends further across the fuselage, while the curved lines on the nose round off the design. These elements create a dynamic and elegant look that further strengthens Edelweiss's recognition as a leading Swiss leisure airline.

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's short- and medium-haul fleet has welcomed an Airbus A320. The 14th aircraft in this fleet, registered HB-JLP, was ceremoniously christened Elm on Monday morning, March 4. The traditional naming ceremony was performed by Vreni Schneider, former ski racer and Swiss Sportswoman of the Century, and Markus Gander, Chief Product Officer of Edelweiss. Representatives of Sportbahnen Elm and VISIT Glarnerland attended. The ceremony featured musical accompaniment from the Chlytal Jodelchörli.

"I'm extremely pleased that with the Elm holiday region, we've found another sponsor region in Switzerland where the rare edelweiss actually blooms. We're especially pleased that we were able to find a godmother in Vreni Schneider, who is still a role model for many athletes far beyond our borders," says Markus Gander. In general, Glarus seems to offer fertile ground for the edelweiss. After Braunwald, Elm is the second Airbus A320 to bear a name from this canton.

Jasmin Schläpfer, Product Manager for Elm at VISIT Glarnerland, is equally delighted. "Many unforgettable events and experiences await you in the Elm holiday region. Once here, you won't want to leave. Actually, this slogan could also be appropriate for Edelweiss, with its many holiday paradise destinations. With this aircraft, we're bringing our holiday region practically all over the world."

As a symbol of the partnership, representatives from the Elm holiday region are placing an Edelweiss wooden bench in the shape of an airplane seat. On this bench, passersby can enjoy the most beautiful views and dream of their next vacation. Almost like being on an airplane.

Edelweiss is expanding its fleet with another Airbus A320 aircraft. The aircraft, registered HB-JLP, will be acquired from sister company SWISS and will operate short- and medium-haul flights from Zurich starting in summer 2024.

With the additional Airbus A320, Edelweiss will operate a fleet of 19 aircraft from Zurich next year (14 Airbus A320s and 5 Airbus A340s).

Edelweiss's long-haul fleet has welcomed an Airbus A340. The fifth aircraft in this fleet, registered HB-JMC, was ceremoniously christened "Flumserberg" on Monday morning, October 23rd. Maite Nadig, former ski racer and double Olympic champion, and David Birrer, Chief Operating Officer of Edelweiss, performed the traditional christening ceremony in the presence of representatives of Bergbahnen Flumserberg AG. Brass players from the St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the celebrations. And for good reason, because in summer 2024, the St. Gallen Festival will be held on Flumserberg for the first time.

"Finding a sponsoring region in Switzerland where the rare edelweiss actually blooms is becoming increasingly difficult. But we've succeeded again and are delighted that the canton of St. Gallen, with its Flumserberg, is now represented in our fleet," says David Birrer.

Mario Bislin, CEO of Bergbahnen Flumserberg AG, sees this partnership as an ideal symbiosis. "Flumserberg is the Swiss holiday paradise par excellence. And with this aircraft, we are carrying the name Flumserberg to the many Edelweiss holiday paradise destinations."

As a symbol of the partnership, representatives from Flumserberg are placing an Edelweiss wooden bench in the shape of an airplane seat. From this, passersby can enjoy the most beautiful views toward Zurich Airport and dream of their next vacation. Almost like being on an airplane.

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.

It has become a tradition for Edelweiss to christen its aircraft with a ceremony at Zurich Airport. This aircraft christening, however, was unlike any other, as it took place in front of a large crowd during the airport festival "75 Years of Zurich Airport."

True to the motto "where Edelweiss is at home," Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss, and Caroline Ganz de Meyer, Ollon municipal councilor, ceremoniously christened the Airbus A320, registration HB-JLR, with the name Villars-sur-Ollon on Friday afternoon, September 1st. Representatives from politics, tourism, and sports from the region attended the ceremony. The alphorn duo "Cors des Alpes" provided the musical accompaniment.

"We are proud to be representing a region of western Switzerland with this aircraft for the third time. In addition to Sorebois in Valais and Glacier 3000, which is at least half located in Vaud, this time Villars-sur-Ollon," says a delighted Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss.

For Sergeï Aschwanden, Director of Villars Loisirs et Tourisme SA, it's "a wonderful opportunity to bring the Vaudois Alps closer to guests from near and far. Our diverse offerings in the region offer just as much variety as the many Edelweiss destinations."

As a symbol of the partnership, the region is placing an Edelweiss wooden bench in the shape of an airplane seat, where passersby can enjoy the most beautiful views and dream of their next vacation. Almost like being on an airplane.

Edelweiss is expanding its fleet with another Airbus A320 aircraft. The aircraft will be acquired from its sister company SWISS and will be used for short- and medium-haul flights from Zurich starting in April 2023.

With the additional Airbus A320, Edelweiss will operate a fleet of 18 aircraft from Zurich next year (13 Airbus A320s and 5 Airbus A340s).

For five years, Edelweiss has been committed to ensuring that children far from beautiful Switzerland have a future, even if they don't have the best of luck. It enables children in Sri Lanka, South Africa, or Vietnam to attend kindergarten or school. And it ensures that the children receive a warm meal or even a new home. Edelweiss has been doing this for five years together with help alliance, the aid organization of the Lufthansa Group, and its employees.

In honor of these five years, the Edelweiss Airbus A320, registered HB-JLT, is sporting a unique help alliance livery featuring countless hands. It is the first aircraft of a Lufthansa Group airline to fly with this dedicated livery.

HB-JLT named "Madrisa"
True to the motto "Where Edelweiss is at home," Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss, Andrea Pernkopf, Managing Director of help alliance, and Veit de Maddalena, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Klosters-Madrisa Bergbahnen AG, ceremoniously christened the HB-JLT Madrisa on Wednesday afternoon, September 14. Klosters-Madrisa is one of the regions where the queen of alpine flowers is native.

Fundraising campaign launched
Andrea Pernkopf, Managing Director of help alliance, was particularly pleased about this christening. At the same time, she also launched a fundraising campaign for help alliance. "It's incredibly impressive how much can be achieved with relatively little money," said Andrea Pernkopf. "For CHF 100, for example, a trainer in Vietnam can visit a school to specifically support the development of children with autism. For CHF 500, around 200 children in South Africa can receive lunch and drinks. And for CHF 1,000, a playground at a preschool in Sri Lanka can be equipped with new play equipment."

Andrea Pernkopf continued: "Every franc goes directly to the projects. Together with competent local partners, we take responsibility for ensuring that the project work has a positive impact on the beneficiaries and contributes to sustainable development."

Information about help alliance
help alliance is the aid organization of the Lufthansa Group and its employees. This non-profit limited liability company currently brings together more than 50 projects worldwide under its umbrella. These projects are primarily designed to provide young people with access to education and empower them to lead self-determined lives. In addition to its focus on education, help alliance promotes entrepreneurship. In recent years, it has supported around 150 projects. All project content is aligned with the strict standards of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and, in particular, the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of "Quality Education" (SDG 4) and "Decent Work and Economic Growth" (SDG 8). The projects are financed exclusively through donations.

Information about Madrisa
The Madrisa is a mountain region near Klosters, featuring the Madrisahorn at 2,826 m above sea level and a sunny plateau at 1,887 m with stunning panoramic views (220°) of the Alpine landscape. Here are the main attractions, the Madrisa-Hof and the Madrisa-Alp restaurant, both offering a diverse range of dining and event options, as well as Madrisa-Land (play facilities for children and families) and an extensive skiing and hiking infrastructure. This gourmet mountain in Davos Klosters welcomes its guests with great warmth and high-quality cuisine. The modern adventure infrastructure in a family atmosphere offers unforgettable moments for all generations in both summer and winter.

Links to pictures and further information
Collaboration between Edelweiss and help alliance

Website of Klosters-Madrisa Bergbahnen AG

Website of help alliance

Edelweiss, Switzerland's leading leisure airline, is naming its aircraft after Swiss regions where the queen of the Alpine flowers grows, in keeping with the motto "Where Edelweiss is at home." This afternoon, the Airbus A320, registration HB-JLS, was christened "Oberalp" at Zurich Airport in the presence of political and tourism representatives from Andermatt and Sedrun.

"We are delighted that the cantons of Uri and Graubünden are represented on one of our aircraft with the Oberalp. From now on, we will be bringing this diverse tourism region to the wider world," says Patrick Heymann, Chief Commercial Officer of Edelweiss.

For Thomas Christen, Director of Andermatt-Urserntal Tourism, the collaboration with Edelweiss is a perfect fit: "We, too, offer our guests relaxing holidays with countless options for nature lovers, culture vultures, sports enthusiasts, and families. Our region offers almost limitless diversity in both summer and winter—and, last but not least, a wonderful habitat for the alpine flower, the edelweiss."

As a symbol of the partnership, the region will receive an Edelweiss wooden bench in the shape of an airplane seat, where passersby can enjoy the most beautiful views and dream of their next vacation. Almost like being on an airplane.

This afternoon, 24 third- and fourth-grade students from the Ursern District School in Andermatt were welcomed as special guests at Zurich Airport. Not only were they able to attend the christening ceremony as exclusive guests, but they also received the new Edelweiss children's toys as a souvenir of this special day.

New children's toys: puzzle book, colored pencils, sports bag and plush marmot Giancarlo
The youngest Edelweiss guests receive a variety of age-appropriate toys. The puzzle book contains fun and games, coloring pages, puzzles, and two detachable postcards. The content is tailored to the two age categories 3+ and 7+. Along with the puzzle book, the children also receive colored pencils in a cardboard box.

The gym bags are now available in three different designs. Children can choose their favorite motif.

For our youngest guests, the plush marmot and Edelweiss mascot Giancarlo has been added to the range.

When selecting the products, Edelweiss took care to use sustainable materials. The new toys will be given to children free of charge on all Edelweiss flights starting immediately.

The Airbus A340, registered HB-JMC, is part of SWISS's fleet. Planning work is currently underway for the upcoming cabin modifications. The aircraft will be in service with the familiar Edelweiss livery. Edelweiss' long-haul fleet will consist of five Airbus A340s starting in July 2023.

Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss: "I am pleased that we will be able to expand our long-haul fleet again starting in summer 2023. With the additional Airbus A340, we will be able to meet the increasing demand for flights to our long-haul holiday destinations."

In addition to the Airbus A340, Edelweiss currently has twelve Airbus A320s, which are used on short- and medium-haul routes.

The newest addition to the Edelweiss fleet features an unusual design. The familiar red nose and the red background on the tail fin have been replaced by countless red hands. They symbolize the helping hands of the Lufthansa Group aid organization help alliance and Edelweiss. The two organizations have maintained a close partnership for five years: "Help alliance and Edelweiss have jointly supported social projects at Edelweiss holiday destinations. Through our joint commitment, we have been able to provide a better life for young people in Costa Rica, Vietnam, South Africa, and Sri Lanka in particular through various projects in recent years," says Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss.

The Edelweiss Airbus A320 HB-JLT is the first aircraft from a Lufthansa Group airline to fly with a dedicated livery in conjunction with the help alliance. "The aircraft is intended to draw attention to our global social commitment and contribute to raising the profile of our non-profit organization. The future of young people living in poverty is our most important goal," says Andrea Pernkopf, Managing Director of the help alliance.

HB-JLT is christened "Madrisa"
For six years, Switzerland's leading leisure airline has been naming its aircraft after regions where the queen of alpine flowers is native, in keeping with the motto "Where Edelweiss is at home." The aircraft, christened "Madrisa," is already the third aircraft to be named after a region in the canton of Graubünden.

Roger Kunz, Delegate of the Board of Directors of Klosters-Madrisa Bergbahnen AG, is delighted that his region is being promoted to the world: "We have a wonderful habitat for the alpine flower, the edelweiss, and we also offer our guests relaxation, a unique experience, and warm hospitality. This makes the collaboration a perfect fit." The official christening of the HB-JLT will take place at a later date.

The aircraft will now fly to all Edelweiss short- and medium-haul holiday destinations. Another aircraft of the same type will join Edelweiss in the coming days; this one will, however, feature the usual livery. Edelweiss now has 12 Airbus A320s in its fleet.

Information about help alliance
help alliance is the aid organization of the Lufthansa Group. This non-profit limited liability company currently brings together more than 50 projects worldwide under its umbrella. These projects are primarily designed to provide young people with access to education and empower them to lead independent lives. In addition to its focus on education, help alliance promotes entrepreneurship. In recent years, it has supported around 150 projects. All project content is aligned with the strict standards of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and, in particular, the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of "Quality Education" (SDG 4) and "Decent Work and Economic Growth" (SDG 8). The projects are financed exclusively through donations.

Information about Madrisa
The Madrisa is a mountain region near Klosters, featuring the Madrisahorn at 2,826 m above sea level and a sunny plateau at 1,887 m with stunning panoramic views (220°) of the Alpine landscape. Here, the main attractions are the Madrisa-Hof and the Madrisa-Alp restaurant, both offering a diverse range of dining and event options, as well as Madrisa-Land (play facilities for children and families) and extensive skiing and hiking facilities.

The gourmet mountain in Davos Klosters welcomes its guests with great warmth and high-quality cuisine. The modern adventure infrastructure in a family-friendly atmosphere offers unforgettable experiences for all generations, both summer and winter.

Links
Information about the cooperation between Edelweiss and help alliance

Klosters-Madrisa Mountain Railways AG

help alliance

Edelweiss celebrated two maiden flights recently. On Friday, June 3, 2022, an Airbus A320 took off for the first time to Pisa, Italy. As is tradition, the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the gate shortly before takeoff. In addition to Rolf Hancock, Vice President Aviation Development at Zurich Airport, David Birrer, Chief Operating Officer of Edelweiss, was present. "It was an honor to be part of this celebratory occasion. I am delighted that with Pisa we are now serving another holiday destination in Italy," said Birrer. Edelweiss will fly to Pisa twice a week from Zurich until September.

Two more destinations in Norway
Another inaugural flight took place on Saturday, June 4, 2022, to Bergen in southwest Norway. Also on Saturday, Edelweiss reinstated the Tromsø route in its summer schedule. Both destinations will be served twice weekly from Zurich until September. Edelweiss' summer schedule currently consists of 59 short- and medium-haul destinations and 19 long-haul destinations.

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Information about Pisa

Information about Bergen

Information about Tromsø

Edelweiss, Switzerland's leading leisure airline, is expanding its fleet and will operate another Airbus A320 short-haul aircraft starting in spring 2019. The additional aircraft will be used to further expand the Edelweiss flight program and also serve as an operational reserve to further increase schedule stability. With this addition, the Edelweiss fleet consists of 16 aircraft (10 Airbus A320s, two Airbus A330s, and four Airbus A340s).

More offers to Norway and Greece in summer 2019
Edelweiss now offers scheduled flights to Tromsø (Norway). Until now, this holiday destination was served exclusively as a full charter flight in winter. This destination will also be offered as a direct flight every Saturday in July and August next summer. The flights can be booked now at flyedelweiss.com. In summer 2019, the service to Greece will also be expanded. In cooperation with TUI Suisse, Edelweiss will now fly once a week to Araxos (Patras) in the northern Peloponnese in July and August. The flights can be booked exclusively through TUI Suisse. This brings the Edelweiss route network to 71 holiday destinations.

Edelweiss, Switzerland's leading leisure airline, will expand its short- and medium-haul fleet by three Airbus A320 aircraft next year. This will bring Edelweiss' total fleet to 15 aircraft by the end of 2018.

As announced a few months ago, Edelweiss will offer eight new short- and medium-haul holiday destinations next year. Edelweiss CEO Bernd Bauer is pleased with the newly announced fleet expansion: "With these three additional aircraft, we can implement our plans with our own aircraft and even offer more frequencies to the most important holiday destinations. For example, we will then be able to offer daily connections to Las Palmas, Tenerife, and Palma de Mallorca."

Two aircraft will be in service with Edelweiss starting in April 2018, and one in June 2018. The aircraft are leased from the parent company Lufthansa Group and the leasing company Macquarie.

Staff expansion thanks to new aircraft
The fleet expansion also means an increase in personnel for Edelweiss: "In order to operate the additional three Airbus A320s, we need new colleagues in our company and will create 81 new positions in Switzerland. We are looking for 27 pilots and 54 cabin crew members to operate the additional aircraft," Bauer continued.

As previously communicated, two additional A340 long-haul aircraft will join Edelweiss over the course of next year, meaning the fleet will total 15 aircraft by the end of 2018 – nine Airbus A320s, two Airbus A330s, and four Airbus A340s.

Edelweiss, Switzerland's leading leisure airline, will commence scheduled service with its second Airbus A340 tomorrow, Friday, April 14, 2017. This brings the total fleet to ten aircraft. The long-haul aircraft has been completely rebuilt over the past four weeks and offers guests a comfortable start to their vacation.

The Airbus A340-300 HB-JMF was acquired from sister airline SWISS and completely remodeled in recent weeks. Comfortable, next-generation seats make travel even more comfortable, and a new, state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system makes it even more entertaining. In addition to the fresh interior design, the aircraft features the new Edelweiss lighting concept with state-of-the-art LED technology.

The new Airbus A340 allows Edelweiss to fly 314 guests on holiday. The model has 211 seats in Economy, 76 in Economy Max, and 27 in Business Class.

The Edelweiss flagship will take off for the first time tomorrow, Friday, April 14, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. from Zurich to Tampa Bay, Florida.

The ideal aircraft for the new Edelweiss holiday destinations
HB-JMF is the second Airbus A340 that Edelweiss has added to its fleet. With this aircraft, three new destinations will be added to the flight schedule in the coming weeks and months: Cancún, Mexico (from April 16), San José, Costa Rica (from May 9), and San Diego, USA (from June 9).

By the end of 2018, two additional A340 aircraft will join the Edelweiss fleet, further expanding the range of dream destinations in the coming years. The long-haul fleet will then consist of a total of two Airbus A330s and four Airbus A340s.

"Braunwald" and "Schatzalp" are now flying through lofty heights to the world's most beautiful destinations. Leading leisure airline Edelweiss has christened two of its aircraft. Since this morning, they bear the names of Swiss holiday regions.

Two names are better than one – that's what leading holiday airline Edelweiss thought, and today, February 9, it named two of its aircraft after the Swiss holiday regions of Braunwald and Schatzalp. With this, the airline continues its naming concept "Where Edelweiss is at home."

Tradition meets adventure
Both Braunwald and Schatzalp are home to the queen of alpine flowers. The latter boasts the world's largest collection of the plant in its botanical garden. "That's why we're particularly pleased to be working with Edelweiss," says Mark Linder, director of the Schatzalp Hotel. "By flying in, we're one more Edelweiss richer." Fridolin Hösli, managing director of Braunwald-Klausenpass Tourismus AG, also welcomes the new connection: "Edelweiss and Braunwald represent Switzerland's rich traditions and a thirst for adventure."

Schatzalp and Braunwald had already prepared the traditional part: women in traditional costume and Trychler entertained with plenty of Swissness during the baptism. The adventures can now be experienced in the exciting holiday regions that Braunwald and Schatzalp will now serve. After all, Edelweiss is at home all over the world.

The fleet of Switzerland's leading leisure airline keeps growing. The latest addition was christened "Melchsee-Frutt" on Thursday, December 1st. The "Melchsee-Frutt" is Edelweiss' first A340 aircraft, specially designed for flights to Edelweiss' new dream destinations. And that's just the beginning – there are countless new features to discover on the aircraft as well.

With alphorn players and trumpeters, the "Melchsee-Frutt" was launched at Zurich Airport on Thursday, December 1st. It is already the fourth Edelweiss aircraft named after Swiss holiday regions where the edelweiss flower grows. And the "Melchsee-Frutt" is the first A340 in the Edelweiss fleet.

"The A340 is the ideal aircraft for Edelweiss in terms of range and capacity," says CEO Bernd Bauer. "With our new flagship, we can reach new holiday destinations that we wouldn't have been able to reach with our previous long-haul aircraft."

For its maiden flight on December 1st, the "Melchsee-Frutt" will depart for Cape Town and will also fly to Phuket over the winter. A second A340 will then join the Edelweiss fleet in the spring. With this acquisition, Edelweiss can expand its existing long-haul network – as San Diego, alongside Costa Rica and Cancun, will be one of Edelweiss' new dream destinations starting in 2017. Two more A340s will follow in 2018.

Fresh interior design and state-of-the-art seats
The cabin of the new Airbus A340 has been completely redesigned and equipped with comfortable, state-of-the-art seats, making travel even more enjoyable. The new Edelweiss interior design evokes a sense of vacation, exuding warmth and comfort. Whether curtains, pillows, blankets, or rugs, the materials are of high quality and crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Natural-looking fabrics and traditional patterns create a sense of home and reinforce Edelweiss' Swiss connection.

However, the new design is truly showcased by the new lighting concept, which also illuminates guests in the best possible light. State-of-the-art LED technology has been installed, which can be programmed to any color and light temperature. This makes the sunrise just before breakfast service even more pleasant and unique.

Swiss quality and hospitality
As of today, the new A340 carries the name of the Central Swiss holiday region of Melchsee-Frutt to the world. "We are proud to have a region from Central Switzerland represented by Edelweiss with this aircraft," said Bernd Bauer at the christening of the A340. "The location suits us. Melchsee-Frutt, like Edelweiss, stands for Swiss quality and hospitality." And Erich Ettlin, member of the Council of States from Obwalden, summed it up: "Edelweiss and Melchsee-Frutt have one thing in common: Once you visit us, you'll always return."

In addition to the latest fleet expansion, Edelweiss also unveiled the new uniforms for its flight attendants and pilots, which have been completely redesigned for the first time in twenty years. With the growing route network and larger fleet, the company also plans to expand its flight crew, who carry Edelweiss' Swiss hospitality to the wider world.

Facts about the A340

Edelweiss' aircraft will feature a new design in the future. The new look supports the growth trajectory of the leading Swiss leisure airline and underscores Edelweiss' heritage. In addition to the new aircraft design, Edelweiss will modernize the interior of its entire Airbus A320 fleet and install a wireless in-flight entertainment system.

Edelweiss' aircraft are appearing in a new livery just in time for their 20th anniversary. The current livery has remained unchanged since the company's founding. Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss, said: "We are proud of our past success and will carry it into the future. Our new aircraft design is deliberately an evolution, not a revolution." Familiar details like the red nose will remain on the aircraft.

The most striking change is the greatly enlarged edelweiss flower on the tail fin and the addition of "Switzerland" on the aircraft: "We want to clearly express our Swiss origins. We connect the most beautiful holiday destinations with Switzerland and inspire with Swiss quality. This should also be evident on our aircraft," Bauer continued. The first Airbus A320 with the new design will be flying on the Edelweiss route network from the end of November 2015.

Wireless Inflight Entertainment System on the entire Airbus A320 fleet
In the coming months, Edelweiss will also remodel all six of its Airbus A320s. The aircraft will be given a new cabin, which will heighten the anticipation of your vacation even upon boarding. The new seats appear lighter and offer more comfort and legroom.

At the same time, a wireless in-flight entertainment system will be installed on the Airbus A320 fleet. This will allow passengers to access a wide range of entertainment options via Wi-Fi using their personal laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The offerings range from films, documentaries, TV series, and music channels to a digital reading library.

Edelweiss will fly to Mauritius again from the 2016/17 winter schedule
In addition to the new aircraft design, the fresh interior, and the modern wireless in-flight entertainment system, Edelweiss is announcing a new holiday destination. Starting in fall 2016, Edelweiss will fly twice a week non-stop to the dream island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Flights to Mauritius will be available for booking starting in January 2016.

Edelweiss, Switzerland's leading leisure airline, is expanding its fleet over the next few years and will operate three additional long-haul Airbus A340s and one medium-haul Airbus A320. This will increase the fleet to 12 aircraft by 2018.

The three long-haul aircraft will be transferred from sister company Swiss International Air Lines to the Edelweiss fleet in phases between 2017 and 2018. "The Airbus A340 is an ideal fit for our fleet in terms of passenger capacity and range. This expansion is a milestone in our company's history," said Edelweiss CEO Bernd Bauer.

The aircraft cabin will be completely redesigned to offer Economy, Economy Max, and Business Class passengers the familiar Edelweiss comfort.

The additional medium-haul Airbus A320 aircraft will be deployed on Edelweiss' route network starting in November 2015.

Creation of new jobs and a long-term investment in Switzerland as a business location
With the commissioning of the previously announced new Airbus A330 (which will join the fleet in spring 2016), the Airbus A320 and the three Airbus A340s, Edelweiss' fleet will grow to a total of 12 aircraft.

"Our plans represent a major investment and a commitment to Switzerland as a business location. Edelweiss will grow significantly with the expansion of its aircraft fleet and create over 350 new jobs in the coming years," Bernd Bauer continued.

Densification and expansion of the route network
The expansion of its aircraft fleet will allow Edelweiss to fly existing routes more frequently in the future and serve new, emerging holiday markets non-stop. A few weeks ago, it was announced that Edelweiss will be adding Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Calgary, Canada, to its route network starting in spring 2016.

New holiday destinations and the exact cabin layout of the Airbus A340 will be announced at a later date.

The renowned Swiss artist Rolf Knie has once again painted a picture for the newest member of the Edelweiss fleet—the fifth A320 (HB-IJW). It's an eagle, the eighth animal Rolf Knie has painted for Edelweiss aircraft.

The eagle is depicted on the front of the aircraft and bears the name Shayan, which means "the meritorious one" in Arabic. This name was suggested and selected by the Edelweiss Facebook community (currently 23,700 members).

HB-IJW is the fifth aircraft in the Edelweiss Airbus A320 family and will fly for the first time on April 5th. Its first flight will be to the popular holiday destination of Tenerife. To celebrate this maiden flight, all passengers will receive a champagne breakfast.

Together with the Airbus A330-200 and the Airbus A330-300, Edelweiss' fleet grows to seven aircraft, serving a total of 43 destinations in 22 countries.