The downsizing at the Lufthansa subsidiary is less than expected. Instead of 780 layoffs - as announced in May - only 550 people will leave the company.

Swiss employees have made over 770 constructive suggestions to avoid or mitigate potential layoffs. This has meant that the number of redundancies for operational reasons could be reduced by around a third from 780 to 550. In total, Swiss will have cut around 1.700 full-time positions by the end of the year - two thirds of them through voluntary measures and through natural fluctuation. 

“I am very sorry for all employees who have been dismissed and I very much regret having to take these drastic measures due to the structural changes in aviation. We are convinced, however, that this is the right way to be able to repay the bank loan and to make Swiss investment-friendly and competitive again ”, says Swiss boss Dieter Vranckx.

Fleet reduction of 15 percent confirmed

As planned, the Lufthansa subsidiary's fleet will be reduced by 15 percent compared to 2019. It has not yet been decided which five Airbus jets will be phased out on long-haul routes (A330 or A340) and which ten aircraft will no longer be used on short-haul routes. Furthermore, the AUA sister is examining the adjustment of the route portfolio, the reduction of frequencies and the delayed resumption of long-haul destinations.

"Swiss will be smaller in the future - but also more focused, more digital, more efficient and more sustainable," continues Vranckx. The total supply is still well below that of before the pandemic and is expected to reach 50 to 55 percent of the capacity of 2019 in midsummer.