Airbus A350-1000 Image: Airbus
Commercial
Aviation
/ Europe
Renovating
Airline chooses the Airbus A350 to completely replace the A340 by 2026
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 9/18/2023
Airbus A340-300
CC BY SA 2.0, via wikimedia commons
Swiss airline Edelweiss announced that it is purchasing six Airbus A350 aircraft, which are highly efficient and emit fewer polluting gases, to replace the company's five A340-300s. The first aircraft will arrive next summer, with the last expected by the end of 2026.
By the end of 2026, the five existing long-range Airbus A340-300 aircraft will be replaced, and the Edelweiss long-range fleet will be restored to pre-pandemic level.
The company chose the A350 because of its fuel efficiency compared to its older four-engine A340-300. The planes will come from the LATAM Airlines fleet, and were retired by the company in 2021.
Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss, said: “The modernization of the long-range fleet is a milestone in the almost 30-year history of Edelweiss. From 2026, Edelweiss will operate one of the youngest long-range fleets in Europe.”
In addition to the economy, the Airbus A350-900 has a greater range than the A340-300, which will allow Edelweiss to connect new holiday destinations directly to Switzerland in the future.
For passengers, the new aircraft means an even more relaxing and enjoyable trip. The “Airspace” cabin of the Airbus A350-900 has wider aisles and larger baggage compartments. The modern cabin is quieter, which contributes to significantly improved travel comfort.
The aircraft, with 339 seats in the current configuration, will offer Edelweiss' proven comfort in all classes: 246 seats in Economy Class, 63 seats in Economy Max with more legroom and greater inclination, and 30 seats in Economy Class. Executive that can be reclined to a flat bed.
All passengers will benefit from one of the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems, with large, high-resolution screens and USB ports at every seat. Business Class passengers will also be able to watch films and series on a larger 19-inch screen.
Due to global material shortages and reduced maintenance and engineering capabilities, the first four aircraft will initially operate in the original LATAM configuration, with minor modifications to the cabin and Edelweiss design.
Edelweiss will install a completely new cabin configuration with new seats and interior design at a later date. This will once again significantly improve comfort and travel experience for all passengers.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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