Edelweiss Air to expand A320neo fleet with five former Lufthansa Group aircraft  

Edelweiss Air, the Zurich-based leisure airline which forms part of SWISS International Air Lines and the wider Lufthansa Group, has announced that it is to acquire five more A320neos to expand its current narrowbody fleet. The aircraft joining the fleet are all being sourced from within the Lufthansa Group of carriers, with all five being former Austrian Airlines machines.

According to an Edelweiss Air statement, each of the new aircraft will join the airline’s short-haul fleet between 2027 and 2028. Three of the aircraft will be used to replace the oldest Airbus A320s in the Edelweiss fleet (with registrations HB-IHX, HB-IHY, and HB-IHZ), which, according to ch-aviation, are 26.8, 26.7, and 26.3 years old, respectively. Meanwhile, two of the additional aircraft are to be absorbed into the fleet to provide extra capacity for the airline’s planned growth.

With the additional aircraft joining, the airline is planning to operate a fleet of 18 short-haul aircraft, with both A320s and A320neos making up the fleet.

Mike Fuchslocher / ShutterstockIn August 2025, Edelweiss Air said it was taking steps towards modernizing its short-haul fleet after acquiring Airbus A320 aircraft from sister carrier SWISS. On August 19, 2025, the airline confirmed its fleet will increase by two aircraft with the introduction of an Airbus A320 in October 2025 and an A320neo in March 2026.  

The A320-200, registered HB-JLQ, was delivered to SWISS in 2011, while the A320neo arrived in 2020 but has remained in storage in Zurich since 2023. With the addition of all these newer models into the fleet, Edelweiss Air says, “This modernization program is now being consistently continued.”

Edelweiss Air states that, “The Airbus A320neo combines state-of-the-art engine technology from Pratt & Whitney with optimised aerodynamics. New, quieter, and more powerful engines and sharklets on the wingtips reduce drag and increase operational efficiency.”

Edelweiss Air“This enables longer ranges, more economical flight profiles, and reliable operations even at airports with shorter runways or in regions with high temperatures. At the same time, passengers benefit from more comfortable cabin furnishings with more storage space.”

“With the addition of these five aircraft, Edelweiss’ short-haul fleet will not only be younger, but also more versatile and powerful. The investment strengthens the airline’s position at its Zurich hub, increases operational flexibility across its entire route network, and underlines Edelweiss’ long-term commitment to sustainable, technology-driven growth – for the benefit of passengers, the environment, and competitiveness,” the statement added.

Modernizing long-haul fleet too

Away from the airline’s short-haul fleet, Edelweiss Air is also in the process of modernizing its long-haul fleet. The carrier’s five 314-seat Airbus A340-300s are earmarked for retirement (average fleet age 22 years) and to be replaced by factory-fresh Airbus A350-900s, which each accommodate 339 passengers.

EdelweissTwo of the new planes have already been delivered to the carrier, with another four coming in the coming months. All are former LATAM Airlines aircraft that have been in storage in France after being retired by that carrier.

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Edelweiss Air to expand A320neo fleet with five former Lufthansa Group aircraft  

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