Edelweiss Welcomes Its First A320neo, Begins Short-Haul Fleet Renewal

ZURICH — Swiss leisure carrier Edelweiss (WK) has received its first Airbus A320neo, beginning a new phase in its short- and medium-haul fleet modernization.

The aircraft, registered HB-JDB, arrived in Zurich (ZRH) after being painted in Edelweiss livery in Norwich, U.K. According to Edelweiss, the A320neo features advanced engines and aerodynamic enhancements that reduce fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and noise compared to previous models.

Edelweiss will operate the aircraft’s first commercial flights on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from Zurich to Larnaca in the morning and to Rhodes later that day.

The carrier said it expects to add six A320neo aircraft by 2028, further investing in more efficient aircraft and enhanced onboard products, including a refreshed cabin and improved passenger comfort.

Edelweiss’ current short- and medium-haul fleet

Edelweiss currently operates an all-Airbus A320ceo fleet for short- and medium-haul routes, with 15 A320s in service. The oldest A320s to be replaced under the A320neo program are registered as HB-IHX, HB-IHY, and HB-IHZ. These aircraft have each been in service for approximately 26 years.

When necessary, WK supplements its narrowbody fleet with SWISS (LX) aircraft and crew. However, the core short-haul operations remain focused on the WK A320 family.

Overview of Edelweiss’ short-haul network

Edelweiss is a leisure airline based in Zurich (ZRH), with its short- and medium-haul network focused on holiday destinations in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, various islands, select city-break markets, and certain long, low-frequency leisure routes.

According to its Summer 2026 schedule, WK will expand its short- and medium-haul network with new leisure destinations and offer more flights and longer seasons.

In 2026, the airline will add Glasgow and Kefalonia, and increase frequencies or extend seasons to destinations including Faro, Kalamata, Calvi/Figari (Corsica), the Azores (with a focus on Terceira and Ponta Delgada), Bergen, Zadar, Tbilisi, Larnaca, Bristol, Varna, and Santiago de Compostela. All routes will operate from Zurich.