Media Release
Zurich Airport, 18th March 2020
Edelweiss Parks Two Aircraft Temporarily on the Dubendorf Air Base and Applies for Short-Time Work
Due to the extraordinary circumstances caused by the spread of the coronavirus and the ensuing strong decline in bookings, Edelweiss is forced to significantly downsize its route network. Therefore, the airline will park two short-haul aircraft temporarily on the Dubendorf Air Base and shall apply for short-time work for its entire staff.
Due to the airline’s significantly downsized route network, Edelweiss, in consultation with the federal government, the Swiss Air Force and its sister company Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), will park two of its ten Airbus A320 aircraft temporarily on the Dubendorf Air Base. The transfer to Dubendorf is scheduled for Thursday morning. The Edelweiss fleet consists of 16 aircraft, with four Airbus A340s and two Airbus A330s for long-haul routes and ten Airbus 320s for short- and medium-haul routes.
Edelweiss applies for short-time work
Due to significantly reduced business operations, Edelweiss is applying for short-time work for its entire staff and is collaborating closely with the authorities in that regard. The scope of this measure for the various employee groups is currently being drawn up. Edelweiss CEO Bernd Bauer: “In view of the very dynamic situation and the unclear impact it will have on our company, and in spite of our robust economic situation, we are forced to apply for short-time work to ensure liquidity. This measure has been devised in close and constructive collaboration with our social partners.”
Edelweiss has a workforce of 1,124 employees, including 260 Cockpit Crew members, 683 Cabin Crew members and 181 ground staff.
Repatriation flights for Swiss tourists abroad take priority
In addition to the currently small number of regular flights, Edelweiss is focusing on repatriating as many Swiss tourists as possible from Edelweiss destinations that cannot be served as usual. The airline has successfully obtained special permission for these flights in many countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and the Canary Islands. Depending on the regulatory stipulations applicable in the destination country, flights to the respective destination will be operated without passengers, whereas the return flight to Switzerland will have passengers on board.
Edelweiss has also indicated to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) that the airline is ready to carry out dedicated repatriation flights in close collaboration with the FDFA.
Important links
About Edelweiss
Edelweiss is Switzerland’s leading leisure travel airline and flies to the most beautiful destinations in the world. With a fleet of 16 aircraft, the airline operates flights to 73 destinations in 33 countries. Every year, more than 2.7 million passengers fly with Edelweiss to their holiday destination. Edelweiss is a sister company of Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) and a member of the Lufthansa Group.
Further information:
Andreas Meier
Head of Corporate Communications
Edelweiss Air AG
media@flyedelweiss.com