Air TransportEdelweiss withdraws first Airbus A340-300 from service
Edelweiss transferred its first Airbus A340-300, registered HB-JMG, to long-term storage in Teruel on October 13. The aircraft exited commercial service the previous week.
The move comes as part of Edelweiss’ ongoing fleet renewal strategy. The airline is transitioning to newer, more fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900 models to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency.
Edelweiss currently operates three A350-900s, with the first having entered service in March. Three more A350-900s are scheduled to join the fleet, enabling further phase-out of older widebodies.
HB-JMG joined Edelweiss in October 2016, after previously operating for SWISS, which took delivery of the aircraft new from Airbus in 2003. The airframe’s withdrawal marks the start of the airline’s planned retirement of its remaining four A340-300s.
The A340-300s are configured with 27 business class and 287 economy seats. In comparison, the A350-900s offer 30 business and 309 economy seats, reflecting a capacity increase and modernized cabin experience.
The A350-900’s twin-engine design provides improved fuel efficiency over the four-engined A340-300, aligning with industry trends toward more sustainable operations. Edelweiss expects to complete the transition as additional A350s are delivered.
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