SWISS to Cut Administrative Staff by 10% in Cost-Saving Drive

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has announced plans to reduce its administrative workforce by around 10% as part of expanded cost-saving measures.

SWISS Chief Executive Officer Jens Fehlinger confirmed the decision in an interview published by the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag.

According to Fehlinger, the airline aims to lower administrative staffing levels without implementing forced redundancies.

Instead, SWISS plans to achieve the reduction through voluntary departures and incentive-based programmes designed to encourage employees to temporarily or permanently leave their positions.

The airline is reportedly offering financial incentives similar to measures previously introduced for cabin crew members.

Under the new programme, administrative staff who choose unpaid leave could receive compensation worth up to 20% of the base salary savings generated by their absence.

The move comes as airlines across Europe continue adjusting operational costs amid changing travel demand, rising competition, and economic pressures within the aviation sector.

SWISS has already introduced several efficiency measures in recent months to strengthen long-term financial stability while maintaining flight operations and customer services.

Industry analysts say many airlines are increasingly focusing on reducing back-office expenses and streamlining administration rather than cutting frontline operational staff.

Despite the planned reduction, SWISS stated that it remains committed to avoiding compulsory job cuts and maintaining a stable working environment for employees.

The airline continues to play a major role in Switzerland’s aviation industry and international connectivity.

SWISS Flight Diverted to Kazakhstan After Co-Pilot Falls Ill.

A Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) flight travelling from Seoul to Zurich made an emergency diversion to Almaty after the co-pilot suffered a medical emergency during the journey.

The airline confirmed that the Airbus A350 safely arrived back in Zurich on Friday morning at 6:45am with 221 passengers on board.

According to SWISS, the incident occurred on Wednesday while the aircraft was flying from Seoul to Zurich. After the co-pilot became unwell, three doctors travelling on the flight provided immediate first aid assistance.

Medical professionals on board later advised the crew to divert the aircraft so the co-pilot could receive urgent medical treatment.

The plane landed safely in Almaty, where emergency services transported the co-pilot to a local hospital for further care.

SWISS stated that the co-pilot remains in Kazakhstan but is currently in good health. Another crew member has stayed behind to support him.

All passengers who returned to Zurich on Friday were originally travelling on the diverted flight. Six passengers reportedly chose alternative travel arrangements from Almaty instead of waiting for the rescheduled service.

The airline also arranged onward travel connections for passengers continuing to other destinations after arriving in Zurich.

SWISS apologised for the disruption caused by the unexpected diversion and emphasized that the health and safety of passengers and crew remain its top priority.