Abstract: The invention relates to a weft change system for a weaving machine, the known complicated switching and release mechanism for the movement of a selection quadrant with weft thread holding devices being simplified by the tension-loadable or compression-loadable springs provided in the known mechanism being replaced by compressed air cylinders, in particular double-acting compressed air cylinders, which can be actuated by a computer-controlled programming device and whereby the complete complicated drive mechanism of the known systems can be dispensed with.