Recently, Edelweiss celebrated its first flight from Zurich to Seattle using the Airbus A340 (4 engines, 4 long-haul routes). I was doubly delighted to see a new international airline starting service at my home airport. What’s more, the airline also uses the A340, which is an AvGeek favorite. Francis Zera (editor-at-large and director of photography) and I tag-teamed the event and I have to say we had a pretty good time.
Covering the inauguration ceremony has become quite routine. There are gate decorations (check), going to the tarmac to watch planes arrive (check), being able to enjoy a water cannon salute (check), having a VIP speak at the gate (check), a ribbon cutting (check), and enjoying sweet snacks (check). The inauguration ceremony is not uninteresting, but this inauguration ceremony gave me something new and unexpected.
Not long before the inauguration of Seattle’s Edelweiss, I edited and published Francis’ story of the founding of SAS. In his piece, he described how a water cannon salute caused the area to get slightly wet due to changes in the wind. I was amused and even laughed, but I ignored it. When I was told where to stand until Edelweiss’ Airbus A340 arrived, I headed towards the runway as far as I could. The runway was also very close to one of the fire trucks. I briefly thought about Francis’s water experience, but thought it might have been a bit foggy at worst. no.
The red and white Edelweiss A340 was beautiful as we landed in SEA and taxied to the gate. As she rounded the final corner, I was so preoccupied with the aircraft that I didn’t realize that the wind was blowing pretty hard in my direction from the fire truck. I took a picture with my phone and BAM!
It was like I was…well…sprayed with water from a huge fire hose and I was immediately drenched. By the time the water submerged, it felt like I had jumped into a swimming pool. I was soaked but I loved it. My inner child was giddy not only seeing the Airbus A340 on the tarmac, but also getting sprayed by a fire truck. Needless to say, I felt good because it was quite hot outside. The best inauguration ceremony ever.
I was a little worried because my phone was wet and I couldn’t take a selfie, but luckily not only was it okay, but Francis captured my shock. We were able to walk around the plane taking pictures of its four beautiful engines. We then headed back to the terminal for speeches and ribbon cutting.
Flights between Zurich and Seattle are currently available for travel in September 2025 and May-August 2026.
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Play between SEA’s runways!
