From 2017 onwards, the airline entered a decisive phase of fleet renewal and operational restructuring. A major milestone occurred in August 2017 with the retirement of the Avro RJ100 fleet, marking the end of a regional aircraft era and the full transition toward more efficient next-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A220 family. This transition was significant not only technologically but also operationally, as the Airbus A220—originally developed as the Bombardier CSeries—allowed SWISS to operate thinner routes more efficiently while maintaining high service standards. In parallel, the airline continued integrating its long-haul fleet centered around the Boeing 777-300ER, which had entered service shortly before and became the backbone of intercontinental operations.

In 2018, SWISS undertook an important corporate restructuring by dissolving its subsidiary Swiss Global Air Lines and integrating its operations into the main airline. This move simplified organizational structures, reduced administrative costs, and unified fleet and crew management. The integration also reflected a broader trend within the Lufthansa Group to streamline subsidiaries and improve efficiency across its network carriers.

Between 2018 and 2019, SWISS continued to expand its European and intercontinental network, supported by the increasing deployment of Airbus A220 aircraft and ongoing deliveries of Airbus A320neo family jets. These aircraft reduced fuel consumption and enabled the airline to open or sustain routes to secondary European cities, strengthening connectivity from its Zurich and Geneva hubs. However, 2019 also exposed vulnerabilities in regional partnerships, as the bankruptcy of Adria Airways disrupted certain feeder routes such as Zurich–Lugano.

A320neo

The year 2020 marked a dramatic turning point due to the global outbreak of COVID-19. Like most global carriers, SWISS experienced a severe collapse in demand, with revenues falling by over 65% compared to the previous year. The airline required substantial financial support, receiving a government-backed loan of approximately 1.5 billion Swiss francs to maintain operations and liquidity. This period forced SWISS to drastically reduce its route network, ground aircraft, and implement cost-cutting measures while preserving its core long-haul connectivity.

In the post-pandemic recovery phase from 2021 to 2023, SWISS gradually rebuilt its network and capacity. Leadership changes accompanied this transformation, with Dieter Vranckx assuming the role of CEO in 2021, bringing experience from within the Lufthansa Group. During these years, the airline focused on restoring intercontinental routes, particularly to North America and Asia, while adapting its schedule to fluctuating demand. By 2023, SWISS carried over 16 million passengers and demonstrated strong operational recovery, supported by its diversified fleet of Airbus A220, A320 family, A330, A340, and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The recovery accelerated in 2024, a year characterized by both operational growth and strategic restructuring. Passenger numbers increased significantly to over 21 million, with capacity reaching approximately 96% of pre-pandemic levels. The airline also expanded its route network to more than 110 destinations in around 50 countries, reinforcing its position as a global network carrier. New routes were introduced or resumed, including additional European services such as Zurich–Rotterdam, reflecting a renewed emphasis on both business and leisure travel markets. At the same time, SWISS underwent executive changes, with Jens Fehlinger taking over as CEO in October 2024, signaling a new phase of strategic leadership.

Fleet modernization has remained central to SWISS’s strategy throughout this period. The airline has steadily replaced older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models, particularly the Airbus A220 for short- and medium-haul routes and the Boeing 777-300ER for long-haul operations. The next major step in this evolution is the introduction of the Airbus A350-900, which represents a new generation of widebody aircraft with improved fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and reduced environmental impact. The first A350 arrived in Zurich in 2025 and is expected to progressively replace aging Airbus A340 aircraft, aligning with the airline’s sustainability goals and long-term cost efficiency strategy.

A340-900

Operational challenges have also marked this period. In late 2024, an incident involving an Airbus A220 (Flight 1885) highlighted ongoing safety and technical risks inherent in aviation, although such events remain rare and are typically followed by rigorous investigations and procedural improvements.

Looking toward the future, SWISS is positioning itself for continued growth and transformation within a rapidly changing aviation landscape. The airline has committed to expanding its Airbus A350 fleet, with multiple deliveries planned between 2025 and 2031. These aircraft will likely support both the replacement of older widebody jets and the expansion of long-haul routes, particularly to North America and Asia-Pacific markets. At the same time, SWISS is expected to continue refining its European network using Airbus A220 and A320neo family aircraft, enabling more efficient connections to secondary cities and reinforcing Zurich’s role as a major hub. Sustainability will play a central role in future planning, with the airline targeting significant reductions in carbon emissions through fleet renewal, operational efficiencies, and the gradual adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, despite current cost challenges.