Edelweiss Airbus A350 ‘Piz Bernina’ Unveiled in Zurich Introducing Revolutionary Cabin Comforts Fresh Air and Direct Flights from Switzerland to Las Vegas

Edelweiss has officially unveiled its first Airbus A350, named ‘Piz Bernina’, at a grand ceremony in Zurich, marking a groundbreaking chapter in Swiss aviation. This state-of-the-art aircraft introduces a new era of revolutionary cabin comforts, including lie-flat Business Class seats, larger panoramic windows, whisper-quiet interiors, and advanced air filtration for a fresher onboard experience. With 339 seats across three cabin classes, the A350 is designed to deliver unmatched comfort and efficiency on both short- and long-haul routes. Starting April 2025, Edelweiss will deploy the A350 on popular holiday routes, including direct long-haul flights from Switzerland to Las Vegas, offering travelers a seamless blend of innovation, luxury, and sustainability.

On Thursday afternoon, 27 March 2025, Switzerland’s leading leisure travel airline, Edelweiss, unveiled its first-ever Airbus A350 aircraft, heralding a remarkable milestone at a festive ceremony at Zurich Airport. The groundbreaking event, held in a specially arranged aircraft hangar, witnessed an audience of prestigious guests, aviation leaders, local dignitaries from the Engadin region, and representatives from across the Swiss travel industry.

This inaugural Airbus A350, named ‘Piz Bernina’ in honor of the highest peak of the Eastern Alps and a cherished Swiss landmark, symbolizes Edelweiss’ ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and extraordinary passenger comfort.

Celebrating a Historic Gathering of Edelweiss CEOs

The Airbus A350 unveiling was unlike any other moment in Edelweiss’ impressive 30-year history. In a memorable first, all past and present CEOs gathered to witness this landmark event. The guest of honor, Niklaus Grob, who co-founded Edelweiss Air AG with Kuoni Reisen AG in October 1995 and became its first CEO, was warmly welcomed and recognized for his pioneering vision.

Alongside Grob was Karl ‘Charly’ Kistler, who significantly influenced the airline’s growth from 2002 onwards, fulfilling dual roles as CEO and captain. Edelweiss’ current CEO since 2014, Bernd Bauer, proudly hosted this unique assembly, reinforcing the airline’s longstanding commitment to quality, service excellence, and innovation in leisure travel.

Unparalleled Efficiency and Sustainability from Airbus A350 Aircraft

The Airbus A350, widely acclaimed as one of the most advanced and environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft globally, marks a substantial leap forward for Edelweiss. Equipped with state-of-the-art engines and incorporating lightweight, cutting-edge materials, the A350 represents the airline’s vision to significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

Compared to Edelweiss’ previous Airbus A340-300 fleet, this new twin-engine marvel achieves a remarkable 25% reduction in fuel consumption. This fuel efficiency directly translates into a corresponding 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions, underlining Edelweiss’ commitment to sustainability and reducing aviation’s environmental impact.

Moreover, passengers and communities alike will benefit immensely from the A350’s reduced noise footprint. Remarkably, the aircraft emits up to 50% less noise compared to its predecessor, enhancing the quality of life near airports and enriching the travel experience for passengers onboard.

Enhanced Long-haul Connectivity for Switzerland

The Airbus A350’s unmatched range capabilities introduce exciting possibilities for Edelweiss and Swiss travelers. The airline plans to leverage this modern fleet addition to connect Switzerland directly to several new holiday destinations worldwide. This expansion will significantly strengthen Zurich Airport’s role as a leading gateway for global leisure travel, further enhancing Switzerland’s connectivity and boosting inbound tourism.

Superior Passenger Experience Redefined

Edelweiss’s Airbus A350 promises a revolutionary passenger experience that redefines comfort and convenience standards. The aircraft features an impressively spacious and modern ‘Airspace’ cabin that accommodates a total of 339 passengers, thoughtfully configured across three distinct classes.

Economy Class passengers (246 seats) benefit from an ergonomic seating design and generous legroom. Those seeking additional comfort can choose Economy Max (63 seats), offering extra legroom and increased seat recline. Business Class (30 seats) transforms long-haul flights into rejuvenating experiences, with lie-flat beds and luxurious amenities.

Every seat, irrespective of travel class, is equipped with an advanced, user-friendly in-flight entertainment system featuring extensive high-quality entertainment options on large high-definition screens. Additionally, seats feature convenient USB ports and power sockets, enabling travelers to charge personal devices seamlessly.

The exclusive Business Class cabin boasts immersive 19-inch screens, dramatically enhancing in-flight viewing experiences, while panoramic windows 30% larger than previous models allow abundant natural light to fill the cabin.

Air quality within the Airbus A350 cabin sets new industry benchmarks. State-of-the-art filtration systems ensure fresh, crisp air is distributed evenly to every passenger, eliminating drafts and substantially improving onboard comfort. This technology significantly reduces travel fatigue and jetlag, providing an unprecedented level of comfort on long-haul flights.

Comprehensive Aircraft Modernisation and Investment Initiative

Acknowledging global supply chain challenges and limited engineering capacities, Edelweiss will initially operate the first four Airbus A350 aircraft with minimal cabin adjustments from their original operator configuration. Edelweiss’ branding and design elements will be incorporated immediately, maintaining consistency in passenger expectations.

Beginning at the end of 2026, Edelweiss plans a complete, transformative upgrade across its Airbus A350 fleet. This extensive modernisation includes premium cabin enhancements and new seating layouts, further optimizing comfort and functionality. Notably, Edelweiss plans to introduce Premium Economy cabins and install robust in-flight internet connectivity during this renovation phase.

Edelweiss’ cabin refurbishment project is a considerable investment, reportedly in the triple-digit millions (CHF), underscoring the airline’s long-term vision and customer commitment. Passengers and aviation enthusiasts can anticipate Edelweiss revealing its spectacular new cabin design in November 2025.

Commencement of Commercial Flights and Destinations

Passenger anticipation is high, with Edelweiss confirming the Airbus A350’s first commercial service for 1 April 2025. Initially, the aircraft will service short- and medium-haul routes, allowing Edelweiss flight crews essential operational training opportunities under real-time conditions.

The aircraft’s inaugural route will connect Zurich directly to the sunny island destination of Tenerife, marking a delightful debut for the Airbus A350. Throughout the initial operational months, Edelweiss will deploy the aircraft to popular European holiday hotspots, including Faro, Ibiza, Heraklion, Palma de Mallorca, and Antalya.

By mid-May 2025, Edelweiss is poised to unleash the aircraft’s full potential on its extensive long-haul network, commencing with direct flights from Zurich to Las Vegas. The introduction of the A350 on long-haul routes marks an exciting chapter, promising unmatched passenger comfort, reduced environmental impact, and expanded international travel possibilities.

Edelweiss unveiled its first Airbus A350 ‘Piz Bernina’ in Zurich, introducing next-generation cabin comforts, fresh air technology, and direct flights from Switzerland to Las Vegas.

Edelweiss Leading Swiss Aviation into the Future

The introduction of the Airbus A350 to Edelweiss’ fleet symbolizes more than just a milestone; it is an emphatic statement of intent from Switzerland’s premier leisure airline. This landmark event highlights Edelweiss’ unwavering dedication to sustainability, passenger comfort, technological advancement, and industry leadership.

The arrival of ‘Piz Bernina’ at Zurich Airport represents an enduring legacy and a bright future for Edelweiss. By embracing state-of-the-art aviation technology and expanding global connectivity, Edelweiss firmly positions itself at the forefront of international leisure travel innovation.

As Switzerland eagerly awaits this new chapter, Edelweiss remains dedicated to delivering extraordinary journeys, upholding Swiss excellence, and enriching global travel experiences.

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