On June 4, 2018, Edelweiss Air launched a new nonstop route linking the Colorado Rocky Mountains with the Swiss Alps. The Denver (DEN)–Zürich (ZRH) service is the first nonstop flight to Switzerland offered from Denver International Airport, which ranks among the busiest airports globally. Operated on an Airbus A330-300 with seating for 315 passengers, the aircraft is configured to provide a comfortable long-haul experience: business class features 27 fully lie-flat seats with aisle access; Economy Max offers extra legroom and increased recline; and the main economy cabin includes 232 seats of the newest generation. All passengers benefit from HD touchscreen entertainment systems throughout the aircraft.
Meal service is included on long-haul flights, with an emphasis on a Swiss-inspired onboard experience. “We are committed to offering a Swiss experience on board, with menu choices that include Swiss classics such as Bratwurst,” said Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss Air.
The seasonal route operated from June 4 to Oct. 26, with flights on Mondays and Fridays in both directions. The service targeted an existing market that already sees nearly 30,000 passengers traveling annually between Denver and Switzerland. Edelweiss projected the new nonstop route would bring roughly 7,500 visitors to Denver in 2018, generating an estimated $21 million in economic impact for the region.
“Denver has never before had a nonstop flight to Switzerland, and we are delighted to add Edelweiss as our 25th airline at Denver International Airport,” said Kim Day, CEO of Denver International Airport. “This new nonstop service to Zurich further deepens Denver’s air service network and global connectivity, and we look forward to partnering with Edelweiss to support the long-term success of this new flight.”
Passengers not staying in Zürich can connect onward to numerous destinations via the Swiss International Air Lines network upon arrival. Edelweiss is an affiliate of Swiss International Air Lines and part of the Lufthansa Group, and flights can be booked through Lufthansa or Swiss International Air Lines booking channels. Edelweiss Air is a leading leisure carrier in Switzerland, operating a fleet that serves a variety of holiday and leisure routes across Europe and beyond.