SWISS to fly more with its own aircraft and crews from summer 2027 and end airBaltic wet lease

SWISS International Air Lines plans to operate significantly more of its flights with its own aircraft and crews from summer 2027, the airline announced in Zurich on 27 October 2026. The number of aircraft flown for SWISS by other airlines under wet-lease arrangements will fall from 26 to around 18.

The Swiss carrier says additional Airbus A320 aircraft will be part of its own operation next summer. Helvetic Airways, which SWISS describes as a long-term strategic partner, will become its main wet-lease provider. The cooperation with airBaltic will end when the 2026/27 winter timetable period finishes, and SWISS credited the Latvian airline with reliable support during a difficult period.

SWISS explains that it had relied more on leased-in capacity because of shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines, extra training requirements and a limited number of pilots. It now says more engines are becoming available and its cockpit staffing is improving. Chief executive Jens Fehlinger said the airline had set itself the goal of operating more flights itself again, with up to eight fewer wet-leased aircraft next summer than a year earlier.

For passengers, the change mainly affects which airline and aircraft actually operate a SWISS-numbered flight. The release does not list the routes concerned. Travellers should check the "operated by" information in their booking, which can differ from the airline that sold the ticket.