Hello

Hello, operating under IATA code HW and ICAO code FHE, was a Swiss charter airline that served the European leisure travel market during its years of operation. The airline was founded in 2004 by former Crossair executives, with the aim of offering affordable holiday flights from Switzerland to popular Mediterranean destinations. Its corporate headquarters were located in Basel, and the company operated under Swiss air operator’s certificate. The ownership structure remained privately held throughout its existence, with a focus on serving the growing demand for convenient, direct charter services from the Basel region. Hello positioned itself as a niche carrier, distinguishing itself by offering a business-class cabin on its charter flights, a rarity in the low-cost leisure segment at the time.

The fleet of Hello consisted exclusively of McDonnell Douglas aircraft, primarily the MD-83 and MD-90 variants. The airline initially launched services with four MD-83s, which were later supplemented by newer MD-90s acquired from other operators. These twin-engine, single-aisle jets were chosen for their efficiency on medium-haul routes and their passenger comfort, featuring a 2–3 seating configuration that eliminated middle seats in the business section. At its peak, Hello operated a fleet of around six to seven aircraft, all finished in a distinctive white livery with the airline’s name in a stylish, modern font. The carrier maintained a consistent fleet policy, avoiding the complexity of multiple aircraft types, which helped streamline maintenance and crew training. However, the reliance on a single airframe family also left the airline vulnerable to maintenance issues and market shifts affecting the MD-80/90 series.

The main hub and home airport for Hello was EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, a unique tri-national airport located on the border of Switzerland, France, and Germany. This location gave the airline access to a catchment area spanning three countries, allowing it to attract passengers from northwestern Switzerland, the Alsace region of France, and the southwestern corner of Germany. While Basel served as the primary base, Hello also maintained a smaller operational presence at Zurich Airport for a period, though Basel remained its operational heart. The choice of EuroAirport reflected the airline’s strategy to avoid the congestion and higher costs of larger Swiss hubs, instead offering a more convenient alternative for travellers in the tri-border region.

In terms of operational model, Hello was a pure charter airline, flying under the Swiss air operator’s certificate and selling seats primarily through tour operators and travel agencies. It did not engage in scheduled services or belong to any global airline alliance. Instead, it focused on seasonal holiday flights, usually operating a summer schedule from April to October and a reduced winter programme. The airline also provided ad hoc charter services to other European destinations as required. A notable feature of Hello’s operation was its “Hello Business” class, which offered wider seats, upgraded catering, and a separate cabin section, appealing to travellers seeking a premium experience on charter flights. This differentiation helped Hello maintain a loyal customer base despite competition from larger carriers.

Hello’s lifespan was relatively short. It began operations in 2004 and ceased all services in October 2012, when it filed for bankruptcy. The immediate cause was a sharp decline in bookings following the European sovereign debt crisis and rising fuel costs, which eroded the airline’s financial stability. Despite efforts to restructure and secure additional investment, Hello was unable to continue operations. In its final months, the airline had also wet-leased an Airbus A320 from a partner to supplement its MD-80 fleet, but this proved insufficient to turn the tide. Hello’s closure marked the end of a modest but innovative attempt to carve out a niche in the Swiss aviation market, remembered for its attempt to bring premium comfort to the charter segment. No significant awards were recorded, but the airline is occasionally cited in aviation history for its unique business-class charter model at a small hub airport.