SWISS will again operate an increased number of flights with its own aircraft and crews for summer 2027. Consequently, the airline will cut aircraft and crews from competitors, from 26 to about 18. SWISS’ primary partner is Helvetic Airways. The cooperative relationship with airBaltic will end after the end of the winter timetable for 2026-2027.
Better operating conditions for SWISS and long-term plans
SWISS has many long-term plans and one of these is to operate flights to as many destinations as possible using its own aircraft and crews. Due to the summer 2027 flight schedule, the airline will supportively meet this criteria and expand its own operations considerably.
SWISS will also cut down on its reliance on aircraft and crews from other airlines. In summer 2027, only around 18 aircraft will operate for SWISS through the wet lease arrangements, which is a decrease from a high of about 26. A factor causing this change is that SWISS will operate extra Airbus A320 aircraft as it did in the past.
Recently, wet-lease partnerships enabled SWISS to keep a stable flight schedule despite limits on its operational capacity. These limits on operational capacity were caused by engine shortages, further training requirements as well as constraints on cockpit crew resources.
However, the situation is changing in the long-term. As more engines are becoming available again, SWISS is able to improve cockpit staffing levels. Therefore, the airline can now operate more flights with its own aircraft and crews overall.
SWISS’ partnership with Helvetic Airways
Due to the decrease in wet-lease requirements, SWISS has also reduced the number of its partners. As such, in the long-term the airline will now operate alongside Helvetic Airways.
The relationship with airBaltic will stop as per the end of the 2026-2027 winter timetable. During challenging periods, airBaltic has worked with SWISS to maintain a stable offering for the airline’s customers despite engine problems.
SWISS will enable a long-term partnership with Helvetic Airways. This partnership maintains efficiency, reliability and operational ouput for SWISS as the airline looks to the future.
What do you think about SWISS’ strategy to operate more flights with its own aircraft and crew? Let us know in the comments.
