Media Release
Zurich Airport, 18 September 2023
Edelweiss modernises its long-haul fleet with the Airbus A350-900
· Six Airbus A350-900s to enter service in 2025
· Airbus A350-900 one of the most environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft
· Size of long-haul fleet returns to pre-Corona levels
Edelweiss is acquiring six highly efficient and low-emission Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which will join the Edelweiss fleet in a staggered manner from 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-Corona levels.
Edelweiss CEO Bernd Bauer: "The modernisation of the long-haul fleet is a milestone in Edelweiss' almost 30-year history. Edelweiss will thus operate one of the youngest long-haul fleets in Europe from 2026."
The Airbus A350-900 has an even greater range compared to the Airbus A340-300 and will allow new holiday destinations to be connected directly to Switzerland in the future. For guests, the new aircraft means an even more relaxed and pleasant travel experience. The spacious "Airspace" cabin of the Airbus A350-900 has wide aisles and large-capacity baggage racks. Thanks to the modern cabin, the aircraft also has a very quiet passenger compartment, which contributes to a significantly improved travel comfort. Edelweiss guests will also appreciate the improved air quality in the future. Thanks to advanced technology, you can breathe fresh air from every seat in the aircraft without draughts and enjoy the natural light coming in through the 30% larger panoramic windows.
The aircraft, previously operated by LATAM Airlines, will initially have 339 seats and offer the proven Edelweiss comfort in all classes: 246 seats in Economy Class, 63 seats in Economy Max with more legroom and greater reclining angle and 30 seats in Business Class that can be converted into a flat bed. All guests benefit from one of the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems with large, high-resolution screens and USB power at every seat. Guests in Business Class even enjoy movies and series on a 19-inch screen.
Due to worldwide material shortages and reduced maintenance & engineering capacities, the first four aircraft will initially operate in the original operator's configuration with slight modifications to the cabin and Edelweiss design. Edelweiss will install a completely new cabin configuration with new seats and interior design at a later date. This will once again significantly enhance comfort and the travel experience for all guests. Edelweiss is investing a three-digit million sum for this.
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," Bernd Bauer continued. 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 per cent less fuel and produces 25 per cent less CO2 than the four-engine Airbus A340-300, and noise emissions are up to 50 per cent lower.
According to current planning, the first Airbus A350-900 in the Edelweiss design will arrive in Zurich in summer 2025 and will be deployed on Edelweiss' entire long-haul network. This includes over 20 holiday destinations in North, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
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