Is this the best business class flight to Ibiza?

From Zurich to Ibiza – with the new A350-900 from Edelweiss Air

For training purposes, one of the two Airbus A350-900 aircraft currently operated by Edelweiss Air will be in service on medium-haul routes, including from Zurich to Ibiza, likely until September 2025 (Photo: Marcel Brunnthaler)

"Am I on the wrong plane?" my seatmate asks, quite surprised. Because what feels like the cabin of a long-haul flight is actually: Zurich to Ibiza. Two hours, right across the Alps, past Marseille, and a quick touchdown over Mallorca on approach. In a real long-haul aircraft, an Airbus A350-900. With a 2-2-2 configuration, 1.85-meter lay-flat seats, a full in-flight entertainment system. And champagne is available upon request.

What's going on? It's quite simple: Edelweiss Air, the charming Swiss leisure airline (a subsidiary of Swiss, part of the Lufthansa Group – so miles & more miles and qualifying points included), is currently using the route for training flights with one of two of a total of six A350s it has acquired from Chile's LATAM. It's freshly painted, but (still) has only a slightly modified (and not at first glance dated) cabin from the previous owner – more on that below. The question that still arises – and not only after the second glass of rosé champagne: Is this the best business class flight to Ibiza?

Real business class on medium-haul flights

The short answer: Yes. Yes – but… Because this isn't a "no more legroom, but at least there's a free middle seat" pseudo-version with a curtain and prosecco. This is a full-fledged long-haul business class – with a spacious 2-2-2 configuration, electrically adjustable lay-flat seats, large 19-inch screens, noise-cancelling headphones, plenty of storage space – and the wonderful feeling that two hours can sometimes be too short.

The spacious seat extends electrically to a completely flat 1.85 m – even if that doesn't really make sense on the short flight to Ibiza. Perhaps on the return flight... And even though the seats have been newly upholstered in Edelweiss blue, the interior doesn't seem quite as fresh as it used to be. The buttons have scuffs, the galley has a retro charm, and my entertainment system remote control has been temporarily glued in place. But the feeling of space is still completely new on European medium-haul flights: traveling exclusively, in "true" business class.

The service? Friendly, attentive, calm. The flight attendant in my area was still a bit unsure. But this is a training flight, after all. Training flight? Is it even safe? Yes – the cockpit crew was absolutely competent. After all, there were two captains on board, fitting for crew training.

Typically Swiss cuisine – Rivella, Swiss chocolate & Biberli

The food is served cold, without a menu or cloth tablecloth, but it's still very tasty: a beautifully arranged burrata with fresh salad and a delicious dressing in a glass jar, along with freshly baked bread. Dessert? A mango-vanilla cream in a Weck jar – sweet but light. What stands out: the bread! Warm, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – and not from just anywhere. But from the Bertschi Bakery, a Swiss artisan bakery that has been baking for Edelweiss for over 15 years. The bread is baked in special ovens on board. A little piece of Switzerland – 10,000 meters above the ground.

Edelweiss Air also scores highly in terms of drinks: Two champagnes are available, both from Champagne Gruet – Brut and Rosé, exclusively for the airline's 30th anniversary. There's also a good selection of white and red wines and soft drinks. Speaking of soft drinks: The Swiss cult lemonade Rivella is also available.

And of course, authentic Swiss chocolate delights are a must: To accompany your coffee or tea, there's a small selection of pralines from the Beschle confectionery in Basel. Four varieties (86%, 64%, caramel, hazelnut), served stylishly from a wooden box. And just before landing, the legendary Edelweiss Biberli – also available in Economy Class, by the way. Over three million pieces per year, made according to a traditional secret recipe in Appenzell. A sweet treat from Switzerland to take home.

Where it's stuck – and why it's still fun

As already mentioned: The flight isn't perfect. Edelweiss can't compete with a long-haul business class experience à la Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways on the short ZRH-IBZ route. Of course not. This is partly due to the service offering, which has been adapted for medium-haul flights. It's also due to the outdated cabin, which, as mentioned, was inherited from the previous owner airline. It shows. Scratches, signs of wear, a bit of patina. And Wi-Fi? None. But I personally consider it a plus. Two hours offline? Can't hurt! But: The atmosphere and sense of space in a true business class are unbeatable. The service is charming. And if you just want to sit back and relax for two hours, this is the place for you – literally.

Conclusion: A350 flair to Ibiza – is it worth it?

Absolutely. The Edelweiss flight on the Airbus A350-900 from Zurich to Ibiza is, in my opinion, currently the best business class experience on medium-haul European flights . What's impressive: the spacious cabin, the electrically adjustable seat, the charming Swiss service concept – and, most notably, the bread, champagne, and chocolates. In terms of cuisine, Edelweiss' medium-haul business class is clearly in the top third: in my opinion, it's behind Iberia, better than Lufthansa, and on par with Discover.

My conclusion

Anyone who has the chance to catch Edelweiss's medium-haul A350-900 should take it. I took the train to Zurich and used the detour for a worthwhile quick visit to Zurich . Zurich is always worth a visit! And the flight to Ibiza has never been so comfortable and, literally, so generous. The only catch: If you, like me, want to fly to Ibiza in true business class, you'll have to act fast. Currently, flights from ZRH to IBZ with the A350-900 are only scheduled until September, mostly on Wednesdays or Thursdays. If you want to be on the safe side, check the cabin when booking using the seat selection, as the aircraft display is not always accurate a step earlier.

And oh yes: Edelweiss Air currently also operates the A350-900 on medium-haul routes from Zurich to Tenerife, Zurich to Pristina, and Zurich to Heraklion. The cabin upgrade is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026, and the aircraft will be deployed on regular long-haul routes to Las Vegas, Vancouver, and Cancún, among others, by mid-to-late 2025.