Helvetic Airways AG

Helvetic Airways was established in the autumn of 2003. Switzerland’s first budget carrier began operating in November 2003 with a Fokker 100 airliner flying to three destinations. By 2004, the fleet had grown to seven aircraft. The route network has been continually expanded since then.

To deal better with its rapidly expanding business, in April 2008 Helvetic Airways entered into an extensive collaboration with the Horizon Swiss Flight Academy Ltd. In addition to training cabin staff, this institution provides comprehensive pilot training for private and commercial aircraft. The two companies have merged under the umbrella of the Helvetic Airways Group.

The fleet comprises six Fokker 100s, one Airbus 319-100 and seven Embraer 190 and operates from the Zurich, Bern-Belp and Geneva airports.

Four Fokker 100 and four Embraer 190 have been leased on a long-term basis to Swiss International Air Lines within the scope of an ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) partnership. Helvetic Airways is using the other aircraft for scheduled and charter flights. Scheduled flights serve a range of destinations in Europe and North Africa. Helvetic Airways also operates charter flights to additional destinations for various tour operators.