SWISS is moving towards the end of its Airbus A220-100 operations, with the Swiss flag carrier beginning to permanently withdraw the smaller variant from its fleet as it continues to address persistent engine availability and maintenance challenges.
Two of the airline’s nine A220-100s, registered HB-JBC and HB-JBD, have now been permanently removed from service and are being dismantled. Rather than returning to commercial operations, the aircraft will be used as a source of engines and other components to support SWISS’ remaining A220-300 fleet, which currently comprises 21 aircraft.
The decision comes amid continued difficulties surrounding Pratt & Whitney’s PW1500G geared turbofan engines, which power both variants of the A220. Shortages of spare engines and prolonged maintenance requirements have placed pressure on operators worldwide, with SWISS previously removing its A220-100 fleet from service and placing aircraft into storage.
The A220-100 holds a significant place in SWISS’ recent fleet history. The airline was among the launch customers for what was originally known as the Bombardier CSeries, introducing the aircraft as part of its strategy to replace older regional and narrow-body aircraft with a more efficient next-generation type.
However, the airline is now moving towards a fleet structure centred on the larger A220-300. The remaining A220-100s are expected to be progressively withdrawn and parked, with the transition expected to continue into 2027.
For SWISS, the retirement of the A220-100 is therefore less a rejection of the aircraft family than a fleet simplification driven by operational reliability, engine availability and the greater capacity offered by the A220-300.