SWISS is preparing to operate approximately seven additional Airbus A320 aircraft with its own crews next summer, as the airline gradually reduces its reliance on external operators. The move forms part of a restructuring of its short-haul operations, which will also see the departure of airBaltic as a wet-lease partner.
The Swiss flag carrier recently announced plans to reduce the number of aircraft operating on its behalf under wet-lease agreements from 26 in summer 2026 to approximately 18 in summer 2027. Further details have now emerged about how the airline intends to accommodate this change without reducing its flight schedule.
According to information provided by SWISS to aeroTELEGRAPH, the airline expects to operate approximately seven additional Airbus A320s itself, made possible by improving engine availability and a more favourable cockpit staffing situation.
Over recent years, shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines, additional pilot training requirements and limited crew availability have forced SWISS to rely more heavily on external airlines to maintain its scheduled operations.
As these constraints gradually ease, the airline is regaining the capacity to operate a greater proportion of its flights independently.
Helvetic Airways Takes a Larger Role
Although SWISS is reducing its overall wet-lease requirements, the carrier is not abandoning the arrangement entirely.
For summer 2027, it currently plans to deploy approximately 17 Embraer 190 and 195 aircraft, including first- and second-generation variants, operated by Helvetic Airways. An additional Airbus A320 from fellow Lufthansa Group carrier Edelweiss is also expected to operate on behalf of SWISS.
This represents a shift from the previous summer, when SWISS relied on 15 Helvetic aircraft, ten Airbus A220-300s from airBaltic and one Edelweiss A320.
The revised arrangement will bring the airline’s cooperation with airBaltic to an end following the conclusion of the 2026/27 winter schedule.
SWISS has emphasised that the decision is primarily linked to improvements in its own operational capabilities rather than the Latvian airline’s financial situation.
More Aircraft, More Destinations
Despite the reduction in externally operated aircraft, SWISS is preparing to expand its network from Zurich.
The airline expects to serve 95 destinations from its main hub during summer 2027, an increase of two compared with the previous year. This will include 69 European and 26 intercontinental destinations.
Further expansion is also planned from Geneva, although the airline has yet to disclose the full details of its summer schedule from the airport.
The return of additional Airbus A320 aircraft marks another step towards greater operational independence for SWISS. Nevertheless, the continued use of Helvetic Airways aircraft illustrates the importance of wet-leasing in providing flexibility during periods of fluctuating demand.
With more aircraft and crews becoming available, SWISS is now in a position to gradually reverse the dependence on external operators that developed during several years of operational constraints.
