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Edelweiss Air, founded on October 19, 1995, in Bassersdorf, Switzerland, is the country’s leading leisure and charter airline, operating as a sister company of Swiss International Air Lines and a proud member of the Lufthansa Group. Headquartered at Zurich Airport (ZRH), Edelweiss Air specializes in connecting travelers to over 90 dream holiday destinations across more than 30 countries worldwide, catering to those seeking relaxing beach getaways, vibrant city adventures, or immersive cultural experiences. The airline’s name, inspired by the Edelweiss flower—Switzerland’s unofficial national symbol—reflects its deep-rooted commitment to embodying Swiss values such as reliability, quality, and hospitality, which are appreciated globally.
Edelweiss Air began operations with a single McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft and has since grown significantly. In 1998, the airline introduced Airbus A320-200s to replace the MD-83s, enhancing its short- and medium-haul capabilities. By 1999, Edelweiss expanded into long-haul flights with the Airbus A330-200, enabling it to serve intercontinental destinations. The airline’s commitment to excellence was recognized with the prestigious golden Travelstar Award for seven consecutive years from 2001 to 2008, a testament to its high standards in service and operations.
In November 2008, Edelweiss Air’s operating rights were transferred to Swiss International Air Lines, following Swiss’s acquisition by the Lufthansa Group in 2005. This integration made Edelweiss a subsidiary of Europe’s largest airline group, strengthening its operational and network capabilities. Over the years, the airline continued to modernize its fleet, adding the Airbus A330-300 in 2011 and incorporating four Airbus A340-300s between 2017 and 2018, previously operated by Swiss International Air Lines, to expand its long-haul network. In 2015, Edelweiss introduced a refreshed livery, featuring the iconic red nose and Edelweiss flower on the tail fin, which was applied across its fleet.
The airline faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, suspending scheduled flights for nearly two months and temporarily parking part of its Airbus A320 fleet at Dübendorf’s military airbase. During this period, Edelweiss collaborated with Swiss International Air Lines and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to operate repatriation flights, bringing thousands of Swiss tourists back home. In response to reduced demand, two Airbus A330-300s were leased to Eurowings Discover in 2021.
Looking ahead, Edelweiss is set to modernize its long-haul fleet with the introduction of six highly efficient and low-emission Airbus A350-900 aircraft, starting in summer 2025. By the end of 2026, these aircraft will replace the existing five Airbus A340-300s, restoring the long-haul fleet to its pre-COVID capacity while enhancing fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The first A350-900, unveiled with a sleek, modern livery, marks a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
As of 2025, Edelweiss Air operates a fleet that includes Airbus A320s for short- and medium-haul routes and Airbus A340-300s for long-haul destinations, with the upcoming addition of the Airbus A350-900. The airline’s fleet is named after Swiss regions where the Edelweiss flower grows, reflecting its cultural ties to Switzerland. Notable aircraft include the Airbus A320 named “Villars-sur-Ollon,” christened during Zurich Airport’s 75th anniversary celebrations, and another named “Elm” by Swiss ski legend Vreni Schneider.
Edelweiss Air operates from its hub at Zurich Airport, offering direct flights to popular destinations such as Antalya, Cape Town, Havana (discontinued in 2025 due to declining demand), Punta Cana, Tampa, and new routes like Halifax (Canada) and Seattle (USA) starting in summer 2025. The airline also serves unique destinations such as Akureyri, Iceland, and has expanded its winter services to Finnish and Norwegian destinations like Kittilä, Rovaniemi, and Evenes in the Lofoten Islands. In 2023, Edelweiss launched a new route to Bogotá and Cartagena, Colombia, further diversifying its network.