Airline company Edelweiss undergoing growth with the enhancement of its short-distance flight fleet.
In an exciting development for the Swiss aviation industry, Edelweiss Air has announced plans to expand and renew its short-haul fleet in the coming years. The airline will acquire a total of eight Airbus A320neo aircraft from Austrian Airlines, as well as one directly from the manufacturer.
The first aircraft, an A320ceo, is expected to join the Edelweiss fleet as early as mid-October. This will be followed by the delivery of an Airbus A320neo HB-JDB in April 2026, after receiving serviceable engines, a six-year check, and a new livery.
Three of the A320neo aircraft coming from Austrian will replace the oldest A320ceo in the Edelweiss fleet - HB-IHX, -IHY, and -IHZ. Another A320neo is expected to be acquired from Austrian Airlines by 2027, while the remaining two are intended for additional growth at Edelweiss Air.
The direct lessors of the two Airbus A320neo aircraft loaned by Austrian Airlines to Edelweiss Air in 2027–2028 are not explicitly mentioned in the available search results. However, it has been confirmed that Edelweiss Air will be the direct lessor for the A320neo HB-JDB.
All the A320neo aircraft from Austrian Airlines will be equipped with GTF engines, while the new aircraft directly from Airbus will be fitted with CFM Leap engines. Interestingly, one of the two new aircraft will primarily be deployed in a wet lease for Swiss, but both aircraft will ultimately remain in the Edelweiss fleet.
Thomas Straessle, a renowned aviation journalist who has been working for various Swiss and German magazines and newspapers for nearly 30 years, serves as the Switzerland correspondent for our magazine. He contributes articles on airports, airlines, and interviews with key figures in commercial aviation.
In a statement, a Swiss spokesperson confirmed that the A320ceo HB-JLQ will be leased to Edelweiss Air. The second A320neo aircraft has been grounded since September 14, 2023, due to limited availability of GTF engines.
By 2028, the short-haul fleet of Edelweiss Air will grow from the current 14 to a total of 18 Airbus A320s, marking a significant expansion for the airline. This move is expected to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Edelweiss Air's operations, positioning the airline for continued success in the competitive aviation market.
Read also:
- Federal Funding Supports Increase in Family Medicine Residency Program, Focusing on Rural Health Developments
- Potential Role of DHA in Shielding the Brain from Saturated Fats?
- Alternative Gentle Retinoid: Exploring Bakuchiol Salicylate for Sensitive Skin
- Hanoi initiates a trial program for rabies control, along with efforts to facilitate the transition from the dog and cat meat trade industry.
