Swiss reduces wet lease usage

Swiss has decided to reduce its use of wet leases starting with the next summer season, following an improvement in the availability of its single-aisle fleet. This move aims to internalize part of its flight program and focus on agreements with Helvetic Airways for the remaining capacity.

Cooperation with airBaltic ends soon

The cooperation with airBaltic will end at the end of the 2026-2027 winter season. This decision follows Swiss's plan to reduce the number of external aircraft it relies on, from 26 currently to 18 during the next summer season.

Fleet availability issues resolved

For several years, Swiss faced challenges affecting the availability of its A220 and A320 fleets, including difficulties in sourcing Pratt & Whitney engines, additional training requirements, and limited technical crew resources. However, the company notes improvements in all these areas.

Improved operations with own aircraft

Swiss estimates it will be able to operate a significantly larger share of its flights with its own aircraft and crews, particularly due to the return to service of several A320s. This improvement is expected to reduce its reliance on aircraft with crew leases.

Prioritizing Helvetic Airways

Swiss intends to prioritize and strengthen its partnership with Helvetic Airways while ending its collaboration with airBaltic. The company acknowledges the "reliable support" provided by airBaltic but sees the shift as necessary to streamline its operations.