As a result of the seasonally stronger summer months and considerable cost savings, the AUA sister company was able to close the third quarter with a slightly positive earnings contribution of 6,4 million euros.

In this quarter, operating income rose by 91,0 percent over the previous year to the equivalent of 670 million euros. This reduced the operating loss in the first nine months to - 370 million euros (1st - 3rd quarter 2020: CHF - 393 million euros). The measures introduced as part of the restructuring are therefore having an effect. It is the first positive operating result for Swiss since the outbreak of the corona crisis.

Increasing travel activity also played into the company's cards: In July, Swiss recorded an increase in passengers of 88 percent, in August of 124 percent and in September the number of passengers even tripled compared to the previous year. The comparative figures are very low, however, because Switzerland and the world faced another severe corona wave a year ago.

At the same time, the measures of the “reach” restructuring program were initiated. For example, the long-haul fleet was reduced and five Airbus A330s were temporarily switched to long-term parking mode. And the downsizing of the short-haul fleet has also been taken by hand. With the savings program, the Swiss airline aims to save around CHF 500 million on a permanent basis. “Due to the lower cost base, we have more flexibility in managing earnings and can therefore continue to increase our offer as planned. We have set ourselves ambitious goals to reduce the impact of our business on the environment, ”says Swiss boss Dieter Vranckx. But despite the euphoria: According to the announcement, the airline does not expect any miracles in the full year 2021 either, 2021 will end “with a considerable loss”.