Swiss cuts leased fleet as Air Baltic deal ends

Swiss will reduce the number of aircraft and crew it leases from other airlines from 26 to about 18, SRF reports. The Lufthansa subsidiary plans to use more of its own aircraft in regular operations next year.

The change follows the return of additional Airbus A320s to service. Swiss said shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines, training requirements and cockpit staffing gaps had previously made it necessary to rely more on outside operators. The company said engine availability and cockpit staffing had since improved.

The cooperation with Latvian airline Air Baltic will end with the close of the 2026/27 winter flight schedule. Swiss will continue to use external capacity, focusing mainly on its partnership with Helvetic Airways.