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. 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 soon to be delivered Airbus A320neo family jets. However, 2019 also exposed vulnerabilities in regional partnerships, as the bankruptcy of Adria Airways disrupted certain feeder routes such as Zurich–Lugano.

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. Despite the pandemic, deliveries continued as planned to accelerate the retirement of older aircraft types. In 2020, Swiss took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo (registration HB-JDA) on February 20, 2020. Later that year, on September 18, 2020, it received its first Airbus A321neo (registration HB-JPA), which officially entered scheduled service on October 1, 2020, with a flight from Zurich to Palma de Mallorca. These aircraft represent a significant step in offering approximately 20% better fuel efficiency and a significantly reduced noise footprint compared to previous models.

In the post-pandemic recovery phase, 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. The airline also expanded its route network to more than 110 destinations in around 50 countries. At the same time, SWISS underwent executive changes, with Jens Fehlinger taking over as CEO in October 2024, signalling a new phase of strategic leadership.

Fleet modernization continued steadily replacing 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 was 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.

To mark the milestone, the first A350-900 aircraft features a stunning special livery titled "SWISS Wanderlust," designed by Swiss artist Frédéric Siegel. Functioning as a "flying art gallery," the fuselage and engines are adorned with intricate illustrations of Swiss landmarks and cultural icons. The aircraft launched its inaugural intercontinental service to Boston on November 20, 2025. This flagship is the first of ten A350s scheduled to join the fleet by 2031.

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.

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.