Swiss to swap two A220s for larger A320s at Geneva base

Swiss International Air Lines has announced plans to upgauge capacity at its Geneva-Cointrin base, swapping two Airbus A220-300 aircraft for an equal number of larger A320s. The change takes effect from the 2027 summer season.

The airline said the switch will add 35 seats per aircraft, with the A320 offering 180 seats compared with 145 on the A220-300. Geneva typically hosts between five and seven Swiss aircraft depending on the season, with numbers peaking in July and August.

According to Swiss, the move is driven mainly by strong demand on the route to London Heathrow, one of the busiest served from Geneva. The airline also framed the decision as part of a broader effort to rebuild its presence at the airport, which has seen its role diminish over decades in favour of Zurich, the carrier's main hub.

The adjustment follows disruption to Swiss's A220 fleet linked to industry-wide issues with Pratt & Whitney engines. The carrier grounded its entire A220-100 fleet in the fourth quarter of 2025, using parts from those aircraft to support the operational readiness of its 21-strong A220-300 fleet. Earlier in 2026, Swiss also dropped five nonstop routes from Geneva, to Berlin, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Oslo and Munich.

Swiss chief executive Jens Fehlinger said the capacity change sends a strong signal about the airline's commitment to its Geneva base, adding that the company wants to secure its long-term position there.