Media Release

Zurich Airport, 13 March 2025

Edelweiss welcomes first Airbus A350 in Zurich 

  • The first Swiss Airbus A350, HB-IHF, has made a celebratory landing in Zurich
  • Hundreds of aviation fans followed the arrival live on the ground
  • The Airbus A350 is one of the most advanced long-haul aircraft in the world

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

During its landing approach, the modern long-haul aircraft provided an additional goosebump moment: after a planned go-around manoeuvre, the Airbus A350 made a celebratory lap of the airport before finally touching down safely on runway 16 at 3:13 p.m.

The aircraft taxied down the runway accompanied by follow-me vehicles and was greeted with a water salute from the fire engines of the Zurich Protection & Rescue service. The Airbus A350 then headed for its parking position B38. More than 100 employees and the Edelweiss management team were already waiting there to give the newest member of the fleet and its flight crew a fitting welcome.

Huge interest from aviation enthusiasts

Hundreds of spectators, plane spotters and aviation fans gathered at Zurich Airport today to witness this historic moment up close. Hours before the scheduled arrival, many were already securing the best places to watch the spectacle up close. Particularly popular were viewing terrace B, the car parks with an ideal view of the runway, and the numerous spotting points around the airport. Equipped with cameras, binoculars and full of anticipation, the fans eagerly awaited the long-awaited landing.

Airbus A350: an environmentally friendly and economical aircraft

The Airbus A350 sets new standards in efficiency with the latest technologies and outstanding aerodynamics. The aircraft is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world. The latest generation of 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 per cent less fuel and thus produces 25 per cent less CO2 than the four-engine Airbus A340 it replaces. In addition, noise emissions are up to 50 per cent lower.

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

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