Swiss International Airlines is the flag carrier of Switzerland, offering scheduled services across South America, Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. The airline operates from Geneva Airport as its focus city and Zurich Airport as its main hub. Swiss International Airlines came into existence following the bankruptcy of Swissair in 2002, with its foundation rooted in the Crossair subsidiary. It is a key member of the Star Alliance and operates as a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group.

Overview

The airline's headquarters are situated at Zurich Airport in Kloten, and it also operates from EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg near Basel. The primary registered office of the company is in Basel. On January 1, 2021, Dieter Vranckx assumed the position of CEO, bringing with him 20 years of experience within the Lufthansa Group, where he currently serves as CEO.

Formation

Credit Suisse and UBS, the largest creditors of Swissair, sold a portion of Swissair's assets to Crossair, which later rebranded as Swiss International Air Lines. The national carrier commenced operations on March 31, 2002, with the following investors:

• Institutional investors - 61.3%.
• Swiss Confederation - 20.3%.
• Cantons and communities - 12.2%.
• Others - 6.2%.

The airline currently employs 7,383 individuals. Marcel Biedermann, the Managing Director of Intercontinental Markets for Swiss, outlined three potential directions for the airline's future:

• Remain independent as a niche carrier.
• Align with another airline group.
• Undergo significant downsizing.

Following several months of deliberation, Swiss International Airlines gained acceptance into the Oneworld airline alliance. However, on June 3, 2004, Swiss announced its decision not to join Oneworld, citing concerns about integrating its existing frequent flyer program with British Airways.

Recovery and Integration with Lufthansa

In 2006, the airline reported a net profit of $220 million, followed by a net profit of $570 million in 2007. Lufthansa Group initiated its takeover of Swiss International Airlines on March 22, 2005, beginning with an 11% minority stake. Swiss operations gradually merged with Lufthansa in late 2005, and the full takeover was completed on July 1, 2007. The airline joined Star Alliance and became a member of Lufthansa's Miles and More Frequent Flyer program on April 1, 2006.

Swiss International Airlines also established a regional airline subsidiary named Swiss European Airlines, encompassing two divisions: Swiss Aviation Training and Swiss WorldCargo. In 2011, Swiss Private Aviation ceased operations due to restructuring. In 2007, Swiss ordered nine Airbus A330-300s to replace its existing A330-200s gradually. By spring 2010, Swiss operated five A330-300s on medium and long-haul routes.

Integration and Fleet Rationalization

Following the Lufthansa Group's takeover, the regional fleet transitioned from Crossair's Embraer ERJs and Saabs to Avro RJs. The rest of the fleet underwent rationalization, consisting primarily of Airbus aircraft. Swiss also renegotiated supplier contracts, including maintenance, group handling, and food service. Lufthansa retained Swiss as a separate brand. In 2010, Swiss and Lufthansa became subjects of a European Commission investigation. In 2011, Swiss introduced a new company logo reminiscent of the defunct Swissair symbol.

Head Office and Employee Locations

Swiss International Airlines operates its operational headquarters at EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg, situated on French territory but with customs-free access to Switzerland. The head office is located within the Swiss section of the airport and is accessible only from Switzerland. The legal seat of the airline is in Basel itself. As of 2004, the Basel area offices employed approximately 1,000 individuals, while the Zurich area offices housed about 850 employees.

Inflight Services and Connectivity

Swiss serves beverages on European flights, complemented by snacks that vary with flight duration and time of day. Longer flights offer hot snacks, while shorter flights provide cold snacks. The airline's economy-class service includes sandwiches sourced from Swiss bakeries, and passengers are treated to a small bar of Swiss chocolate before landing on all flights.

Intermodal Connectivity

The airline offers an air train service, allowing passengers to access SBB trains at no extra charge from Zurich Airport to Basel SBB Railway station.