Media Release

Zurich Airport, 27 March 2025

Edelweiss presents Switzerland's first Airbus A350

  • Edelweiss‘ first Airbus A350 in Switzerland presented in a ceremony
  • Edelweiss’ former and current CEOs together on site
  • First commercial flight to Tenerife on 1 April 2025

Edelweiss, Switzerland's leading leisure travel airline, has officially presented its first Airbus A350. A ceremony was held in an aircraft hangar at Zurich Airport on Thursday afternoon, 27 March 2025. The first of a total of six modern long-haul aircraft was not only welcomed, but also christened ‘Piz Bernina’. Representatives from the Engadin and invited guests were present at this special event. During the event, the guests were given the exclusive opportunity to view the interior of the new Airbus A350 for the first time.

A first in the history of Edelweiss

This has never happened before in the history of Edelweiss: all of the airline's previous and current CEOs were present at this naming ceremony. Niklaus Grob, who founded Edelweiss Air AG together with Kuoni Reisen AG on 19 October 1995, was the airline's first CEO. He was followed in 2002 by Karl ‘Charly’ Kistler, who was not only CEO but also a captain. Bernd Bauer has been at the helm of Edelweiss Air AG as CEO since 2014.

New standards in efficiency, comfort and environmental friendliness

The latest generation of engines and the use of lightweight materials make the twin-engine Airbus A350 one of the most fuel-efficient wide-bodied aircraft. It consumes up to 25 per cent less fuel and thus produces 25 per cent less CO₂ than the four-engine Airbus A340-300. Noise emissions are also up to 50 per cent lower. Compared to the Airbus A340, the Airbus A350 has an even greater range and will allow new holiday destinations to be connected directly to Switzerland in the future.

Significantly improved travel comfort

The aircraft has 246 seats in Economy Class, 63 seats in Economy Max with more legroom and a large recline angle, and 30 seats in Business Class, which can be converted into a flat bed. All guests benefit from one of the most modern in-flight entertainment systems with large, high-resolution screens, as well as USB power and sockets at every seat. Business Class guests can even enjoy the films and series on a 19-inch screen.

The new aircraft will provide an even more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience for guests. The spacious ‘Airspace’ cabin of the Airbus A350 has wide aisles and large-capacity overhead lockers. Thanks to the modern cabin, the aircraft also has a very quiet passenger compartment, which contributes to a significantly improved travel experience. Edelweiss guests will also appreciate the improved air quality in the future. Thanks to the most advanced technology, passengers can enjoy fresh air from every seat in the aircraft without drafts and natural light from the 30% larger panoramic windows.

Comprehensive modernisation from the end of 2026

Due to global material bottlenecks and reduced maintenance and engineering capacities, the first four aircraft will initially be operated in the configuration of the original operator with slight modifications to the cabin and in the Edelweiss design. A complete conversion is planned from the end of 2026, during which the cabin elements will be extensively modernised, offering guests an even more comfortable travel experience. The conversion work will also see the installation of a Premium Economy and the provision of inflight internet. Edelweiss is investing a triple-digit million sum in this project. Edelweiss will reveal the new cabin design for its Airbus A350 in November 2025.

First passengers to fly in April

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

About Edelweiss

Edelweiss is Switzerland’s leading leisure travel airline and flies to the most beautiful destinations in the world. The airline reliably ensures a pleasant and carefree travel time to the holiday destination and looks after the safety and well-being of its guests with commitment and cordiality. Edelweiss is a sister company of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and a member of the Lufthansa Group.

 

Further information:

Andreas Meier
Head of Corporate Communications
Edelweiss Air AG
media@flyedelweiss.com