Helvetic Airways and SWISS have marked 20 years of wet-lease cooperation, which began on 1 November 2006 with flight LX390 from Zurich to Manchester using a Fokker 100. The partnership continues, with Helvetic’s incoming Embraer E195-E2 aircraft also intended for SWISS routes. SWISS is, however, planning to reduce its wet-leased fleet from 26 aircraft to around 18 by summer 2027, while working primarily with Helvetic among its partners.
Under the arrangement, Helvetic provides the aircraft and crew, while SWISS sells and operates the flights under its own brand. The capacity serves the carrier’s European network, connecting regional destinations to its wider system. The E195-E2 already operates on SWISS routes.
The airlines extended their agreement for five years in October 2024. It allows for up to 15 Helvetic aircraft to operate across the SWISS European network. The planned reduction in SWISS’s overall wet-leased fleet follows improved engine availability and cockpit staffing, which are expected to let the airline operate more flights with its own aircraft and crews. SWISS also plans to return additional A320s to its own operation. Its cooperation with airBaltic is due to end after the 2026/27 winter timetable.