Swiss Airlines
Swiss International Airlines, commonly known as Swiss, is Switzerland’s national flag carrier and a member of the Lufthansa Group. Originally founded as SwissAir on March 26, 1931, the airline’s history traces back to 1919 when it was first established as Ad Astra Aero. Over the years, SwissAir emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. Its financial stability earned it the nickname “Flying Bank.” However, despite its early success, SwissAir’s aggressive expansion strategies and poor financial management ultimately led to its collapse.
SwissAir’s operations were centered at Zurich International Airport, where it built a vast network across North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. The airline’s efforts to compete with European giants such as British Airways, Air France, and KLM resulted in significant debt due to over-expansion and an overloaded fleet. Faced with mounting financial pressures and a series of failed mergers, SwissAir declared bankruptcy in 2002, bringing an end to its storied existence.
In response to SwissAir’s demise, the Swiss government intervened, renaming the airline Swiss International Airlines (Swiss) and ensuring its continued operation. By 2005, Swiss was acquired by Germany’s Lufthansa Group, marking the start of a new chapter for the carrier. Following the merger, Swiss successfully turned its financial situation around, reporting a net profit of $220 million by 2006, after years of losses.
Today, Swiss International Airlines operates a fleet of 72 Airbus aircraft and 12 Boeing 777s, serving 102 destinations across 44 countries. The airline offers four service classes—First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy—catering to a wide range of passengers. Swiss is also a full member of the prestigious Star Alliance, which strengthens its global network.
As part of its expansion strategy, Swiss owns Edelweiss Air, a leisure airline it acquired from the Kuoni Group in 2008. Edelweiss operates seasonal and scheduled flights to 65 destinations, using an all-Airbus fleet with a three-class configuration. The airline’s diverse portfolio, including its leisure arm, and its stability within the Lufthansa Group, positions Swiss as a resilient force in the aviation industry, showcasing its recovery from a tumultuous past to become a key player in global air travel.
Contact
Address: Swiss International Air Lines Ltd.
Customer Service
P.O. Box 2013
8032 Zurich – Switzerland
Contact detail: +41 615823656
Website: www.swiss.com
