Swissair pilots in shock at end of aviation era

The shutters come down on Swissair at the end of an aviation era Keystone Archive

Swiss pilots have expressed their "shock and dismay" at the announcement made by Swissair Group management on Monday that it was abandoning efforts to save the ailing national carrier.

“We are all shocked and dismayed that the announcement was made so quickly and violently,” said Hannu Ruprecht, a Swissair pilot and spokesman for Aeropers, the Association of Swissair cockpit personnel.

But in an interview with swissinfo, Ruprecht confirmed his union was “willing and able to negotiate a new contract.”

“We are very curious about what the future will bring,” he added.

“The question is how can we make this change from Swissair to whatever the future brings as bearable as possible,” Ruprecht said.

Swissair brand

One issue which remains unresolved following Monday’s announcement is whether Crossair will take over the Swissair brand, or whether the name will disappear for ever under the terms of the rescue plan.

Aviation analyst Sepp Moser told swissinfo it would not be “immediately necessary for Crossair to re-brand itself” as Swissair.

“The Swissair name has lost a lot of its glamour and it must be considered very carefully if and to what extent it should be maintained. So I could very well conceive of a situation where it will be abolished,” Moser added.

Ruprecht, however, said he hoped a way would be found to save the company name.

“I hope that some kind of solution will be found where the brand doesn’t have to disappear. It’s been around for 70 years plus and it would be a very sad thing if it were to disappear just like that,” Ruprecht said.

Importance of name

Moser argues that “for most people the question of the name is more important than the financial situation.”

“The relation Swiss people have to the name Swissair is very emotional,” Moser said.

“But I don’t think it is very helpful in this situation. What counts now are the figures and the bottom line, not the name.”

Despite the uncertainty, and the announcement of job losses in Switzerland and overseas, Ruprecht said morale among Swissair pilots remained high.

“Of course we are saddened by the events, but on the other hand we are doing our utmost to be as professional as possible,” he said.

“What heartens us is that you really feel that the whole Swissair crew, on the ground and in the air, is moving closer together and that is a great help.”

by Ramsey Zarifeh