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Swiss airline to cut 10% of administrative jobs
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Economy & Trade

Swiss airline to cut 10% of administrative jobs

From Die Presse · (1h ago) German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Swiss International Air Lines plans to cut approximately 10% of its administrative staff through voluntary departures and financial incentives.
  • The airline cites rising costs for fuel, aircraft maintenance, environmental fees, and personnel as reasons for the cost-cutting measures.
  • These efforts aim to improve profitability and maintain competitiveness within the Lufthansa Group and the broader airline industry.

Swiss International Air Lines, a proud member of the Lufthansa Group, is taking decisive steps to enhance its profitability and ensure its long-term competitiveness in a challenging aviation landscape. As reported by "NZZ am Sonntag," CEO Jens Fehlinger has outlined a plan to reduce administrative staff by around 10%, emphasizing that these will be voluntary departures, not forced redundancies. This strategic move, which includes financial incentives for employees opting for unpaid leave, is a necessary response to structural cost pressures, including increased expenses for fuel, aircraft maintenance, environmental levies, and personnel.

Ziel ist, dass wir rund zehn Prozent unserer administrativen Mitarbeitenden abbauen

โ€” Jens FehlingerIn an interview with "NZZ am Sonntag," the CEO of Swiss outlined the airline's plan to reduce administrative staff.

While the airline remains profitable, Fehlinger acknowledges that some competitors have surpassed Swiss in profitability. The goal is not merely to maintain the status quo but to evolve and grow. The demand for air travel is robust, and Swiss is determined to capitalize on this, stating, "If we don't benefit from it, others will." This proactive approach is crucial for the airline's continued development and expansion.

Kรผndigungen wolle die Fluggesellschaft keine vornehmen

โ€” Jens FehlingerThe Swiss CEO clarified that the planned staff reductions would be voluntary, not forced.

These measures align with broader cost-saving initiatives within the Lufthansa Group, which is also implementing hiring freezes and administrative cost reductions. Swiss's target of a 10% reduction in administrative costs is considered a "healthy measure" by its CEO, balancing the need for efficiency with the desire for sustainable growth. The airline's commitment to its employees is evident in its focus on voluntary departures, a strategy that has already yielded results in reducing cabin crew numbers through attractive severance packages. Swiss is dedicated to navigating the complexities of the modern aviation market while upholding its commitment to service and operational excellence.

Wir haben strukturell hรถhere Kosten

โ€” Jens FehlingerFehlinger explained the reasons behind the cost-cutting measures, citing increased expenses.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.