A special day for Edelweiss (and me). The story of the maiden flight of the new A350
It is with immense pleasure that we publish the story of a "non-Italian" reader, the first on our site. An experience [...]
It is with immense pleasure that we publish the story of a "non-Italian" reader, the first on our site.
In this article:
A special experience on an inaugural flight: The debut of the Swiss carrier Edelweiss's new A350..
A travel report by Daniel Kessler
On April 1, 2025, Edelweiss reached a significant milestone: the first passenger flight with the new Airbus A350-900.
The aircraft, with HB-IHF registration and affectionately christened "Piz Bernina," took off from Zurich bound for Tenerife. I had the opportunity to experience this unique moment not only as a passenger, but also as a direct witness, flying Economy Max on the outward journey and Business Class on the return.
What seemed like an ordinary vacation flight soon turned out to be a must-see event for aviation enthusiasts, frequent flyers, and anyone who appreciates the Swiss hospitality of Edelweiss.
A festive welcome already on the ground
On the morning of April 1, passengers, crew, technicians and Edelweiss representatives gathered at the gate in Zurich. The company's leadership wanted to celebrate this inaugural flight in person with coffee, croissants and cakes. The excitement was palpable: crew smiled, photographers snapped, and pride in the arrival of the newest member of the fleet was evident.
Even in Tenerife, the arrival of the A350 was greeted with celebration.i: Representatives from Spanish airport operator AENA welcomed the crew with sweets and smiles, making the flight even more special.
The aircraft - The new A350 "Piz Bernina": modern, efficient, innovative
The Airbus A350-900 (HB-IHF) represents a major breakthrough for Edelweiss, marking The start of a fleet renewal that will see the phasing out of four-engine Airbus A340s.
Key features of the A350:
- Reduced fuel consumption of 25% compared to the A340
- Higher efficiency and lower environmental impact
- Spacious cabin With high ceilings and better air quality
- Flightpath3D, innovative in-flight entertainment system with real-time flight tracking
- Wide windows and quieter cabin, for superior travel comfort
Currently, the plane flies with the former LATAM operator's cabin, adapted with Edelweiss details.
The new cabin will be introduced from December 2026 and will include:
- New Business Class With direct aisle access for each seat
- Premium Economy with more space and comfort
- New seats and amenities in Economy
- Wi-Fi on board for all classes
With the debut of the A350, Edelweiss ushers in a new era: an aircraft that combines efficiency and glamour.
The Flight to Tenerife - Comfort in Economy Max
Right from boarding, the atmosphere on board proved to be special. On this inaugural flight, I got to experience the class Economy Max, which offers a superior experience compared to standard Economy.
Benefits of Economy Max:
- More leg room and more freedom of movement
- Alcoholic beverages included
- Improved catering
- Welcoming with a glass of champagne
On-board menu:
- Potato salad
- Cucumber salad
- Fresh bread with butter
- Apple pie
- Coffee, soft drinks, champagne, wine and beer
The service was excellent: the crew showed helpfulness and courtesy, embodying the warmth typical of Swiss hospitality.
One minor flaw: the bathroom signage in Economy was unclear, a legacy of the previous LATAM configuration. It will probably be updated with the new cabin.
Flightpath3D - A must-have experience for aviation enthusiasts
One of the most exciting aspects for me was the new system Flightpath3D, which allows you to follow the flight in real time with immersive graphics:
- 3D interactive map with zoom functions
- Views from the cockpit, global and overview
- Information on airports, cities, weather and points of interest
- Real-time data such as altitude, speed and distance
Flightpath3D transforms flying into a more immersive experience that is especially popular with aviation enthusiasts.
The Return to Zurich - Elegance in Business Class
The return flight was an opportunity to experience the Business Class, currently configured in 2-2-2. The seats convert into fully reclining beds and provide ample space and comfort.
Only current disadvantage:
Those sitting near the window have to climb over their neighbor to reach the aisle, but this will be solved with the new 2026 configuration.
Details of Business Class service:
- Welcome with champagne and snacks
- Appetizer: Veal tonnato with mixed salad and vinaigrette
- Main scope: Beef stew with carrots, kohlrabi and creamy polenta
- Dessert: Almond cream with coffee
The service was impeccable: unobtrusive, attentive and professional.
Technical curiosity: the flight was made at FL430 (13,000 meters altitude), an optimal altitude for efficiency and comfort. A Swiss Technik technician was also on board for any minor interventions, a common practice on inaugural flights.
The landing in Zurich, despite winds of 30 to 40 km/h, was executed with precision by commander Florian Affolter.
Conclusion - A flight that leaves its mark
The first flight of the Edelweiss A350 was more than just a trip-it was an experience combining technology, comfort and authentic Swiss hospitality.
The aspects that impressed me the most:
- La quietness and modernity of the A350
- L'Economy Max, which offers concrete added value
- The system Flightpath3D, perfect for flying enthusiasts
- The elegant and refined service in Business Class
- Above all, the passion and dedication of the Edelweiss staff
With the A350, Edelweiss opens a new chapter: an aircraft that not only carries passengers, but also excites them along the journey.
Getting on board. Relax. Wonder. So you fly with Edelweiss on the A350.
Text and photos in this article are the property of Daniel Kessler, whom we thank for sharing this journey with us.
