This article is based on an official press release from Edelweiss Air.

Edelweiss Unveils New A350 Cabin: Business Suites, Hard-Shell Premium Economy, and Free Starlink Wi-Fi

Edelweiss Air has officially presented the future cabin interiors for its Airbus A350-900 fleet, marking a significant upgrade in passenger comfort and onboard technology. Announced on January 20, 2026, the Swiss leisure airline revealed a completely new configuration that prioritizes personal space and connectivity.

The new cabin, designed under the motto “More room to feel good,” will feature 319 seats across three classes, a reduction from the temporary 339-seat layout currently in use. According to the airline, the retrofit program is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with the first aircraft featuring the new interior entering commercial service in December 2026.

Business Class: Suites and Direct Aisle Access

The most substantial upgrade is found in the Business Class cabin, which will accommodate 32 passengers in a 1-2-1 configuration using the Thompson Vantage XL+ platform. This layout ensures that every passenger has direct access to the aisle, eliminating the need to step over a neighbor.

The Business Suites

Edelweiss is introducing an exclusive “Business Suite” product in the first row of the cabin. These four seats offer enhanced privacy and space compared to the standard business class offering.

“The first row consists of four exclusive Business Suites… featuring 1.2-meter high closable doors, larger footwells, and a wider seat area.”

Passengers in these suites will view entertainment on massive 32-inch 4K screens. Additionally, the middle suites feature adjustable dividers, allowing couples to dine or relax together comfortably.

Standard Business Features

Rows 2 through 9 feature standard business class seats that convert into fully flat beds measuring two meters in length. The airline notes that these seats include high-quality acoustic insulation and privacy wings to ensure a restful journey. Entertainment is provided via 17-to-19-inch 4K screens.

Premium Economy and Economy Upgrades

Edelweiss is expanding its premium offerings with a dedicated Premium Economy cabin and significant enhancements to the standard Economy experience.

Hard-Shell Premium Economy

The new Premium Economy cabin will consist of 28 seats in a 2-3-2 layout. A key feature of this cabin is the use of hard-shell seats. Unlike traditional reclining seats, these recline within their own fixed shell, ensuring that a passenger’s personal space is never intruded upon by the person seated in front of them.

According to the press release, these seats offer approximately one meter (39 inches) of legroom. Service upgrades for this class include welcome drinks, meals served on china tableware, and the provision of noise-canceling headphones identical to those used in Business Class.

Economy Class Enhancements

The Economy cabin will hold 259 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. While maintaining high density, Edelweiss has introduced specific comfort improvements:

• Increased Legroom: Pitch has been increased by 3 cm compared to previous cabins.
• Better Sleep: A greater seat tilt angle and 6-way adjustable headrests are designed to improve rest on long-haul flights.
• Design: The cabin features blue woven fabrics and fine stitching to evoke a “calm, timeless ambiance.”

Connectivity and Technology

In a move that sets a high standard for leisure carriers, Edelweiss announced that the entire A350 fleet will be equipped with high-speed satellite internet.

Free Starlink Wi-Fi

The airline confirmed that high-speed internet via Starlink will be available to all guests in all classes, free of charge. This allows for streaming and high-bandwidth activities that were previously difficult to manage on traditional inflight networks.

Power and Entertainment

To support the use of personal devices, every seat in the aircraft, including Economy, will feature USB-A and USB-C ports with 60W power delivery, which is sufficient to charge most laptops. The inflight entertainment system features 4K anti-glare screens with Bluetooth audio connectivity, allowing passengers to pair their own wireless headphones.

Fleet Rollout and Timeline

Edelweiss is currently in a transition phase, replacing its aging Airbus A340-300s with six Airbus A350-900s. The A350s that joined the fleet in 2025 are currently operating with a temporary interior inherited from the previous operator, LATAM.

The timeline for the new cabin rollout is as follows:

• Summer 2026: Bookings open for flights featuring the new cabin.
• December 2026: The first aircraft with the new interior enters service.
• July 2027: The retrofit of all six aircraft is expected to be complete.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to reduce the total seat count from 339 (in the temporary configuration) to 319 signals a strategic shift for Edelweiss. While leisure airlines typically prioritize density to lower unit costs, Edelweiss is aligning closer to the premium standards of its parent company, Lufthansa Group.

The inclusion of “Business Suites” with doors and hard-shell Premium Economy seats places Edelweiss competitively against full-service legacy carriers rather than just low-cost holiday airlines. Furthermore, the adoption of free Starlink Wi-Fi across all classes is a significant differentiator that addresses one of the most common passenger complaints on long-haul flights: poor connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Edelweiss A350 cabin be available?
The first aircraft featuring the new cabin is scheduled to enter service in December 2026. The full fleet retrofit will be finished by July 2027.

Is Wi-Fi free on Edelweiss A350 flights?
Yes. Once the new cabin is installed, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi will be free for all passengers in all classes.

What is the difference between the current and new A350 interiors?
The current A350s fly with a temporary ex-LATAM interior (339 seats). The new custom Edelweiss interior will have 319 seats, including a new Business Class with doors, a dedicated Premium Economy with hard-shell seats, and updated technology throughout.

Sources: Edelweiss Air Press Release