SWISS will end its cooperation with airBaltic after the winter 2026/27 timetable and reduce its use of aircraft operated by partner airlines in summer 2027. The plan was announced on October 27, rather than as an immediate change to the current winter programme.
In its dated announcement, SWISS says its wet-leased fleet will fall from 26 aircraft to around 18. It intends to operate more flights with its own aircraft and crews, including additional Airbus A320s.
Helvetic remains the main partner
The airline will focus primarily on Helvetic Airways for its remaining wet-lease needs. SWISS says partner airlines helped sustain its schedule during Pratt & Whitney engine shortages, extra training requirements and limited cockpit staffing. It attributes the planned shift to improving engine availability and cockpit resources.
SWISS also credits airBaltic with supporting its operation through those constraints. The announcement does not describe the end of the cooperation as an immediate suspension of airBaltic-operated flights.
What passengers should check
A wet lease supplies aircraft and crew from another airline to operate flights for the selling carrier. For passengers comparing bookings, the operating-airline information matters alongside the SWISS flight number.
Travellers booking for summer 2027 should check the operating carrier shown for their specific flight and review it again before departure. An airline-wide fleet plan cannot confirm the aircraft or crew provider for an individual booking. The reduction in partner-operated aircraft should not, by itself, be read as an announcement that eight routes are closing.
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