Helvetic Airways (Zurich) as we previously reported, is adding seven Embraer ERJ 190s. The airline has now detailed its expansion plans:

Helvetic Airways currently operates six Fokker 100s and one Airbus 319-100.

Recently, the airline concluded long-term leases with the Airfleet Credit Corporation for seven Embraer 190s. It is planned to put the Embraer 190s into operation between December 2014 and June 2015.

The business model envisages that four Fokker 100s and four Embraer 190s will be in service, in the long term, for Swiss International Air Lines, as part of a wet lease agreement. The other aircraft (2 Fokker 100s, 1 Airbus A319, 3 Embraer 190s) are used for the scheduled and charter services of Helvetic Airways AG.

In connection with the business expansion, the number of staff at Helvetic Airways AG will be increased to more than 350 employees. At the same time, the equity base will be strengthened via an increase in the share capital by 10 million Swiss francs.

With the 2015 schedules for Zürich and Bern, the primary intention is to consolidate Helvetic’s current scheduled destinations.

The additional capacity in the charter business will be absorbed by the current partners.

Photo: Helvetic Airways. The first Embraer ERJ 190 has arrived in Zurich. The pictured ERJ 190-100LR OE-IHD (msn 19000354) was delivered on December 18 as HB-JVL.

Helvetic Airways aircraft slide show: