Reto Francioni describes the path back from the crisis mode of the crown for the Swiss airline.
“If, contrary to expectations, the situation does not improve notably in the summer, we could not avoid layoffs either”: Reto Francioni.
Photo: Keystone / Archives
“In planning for the summer we are assuming a traffic volume of 50 percent compared to the situation before the crisis,” he said in an interview with the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung”.
The decisive factor is the resumption of intercontinental connections, especially those to the US In March, Swiss was able to estimate what the reserves would be like for the summer of 2021. “If, contrary to expectations, the situation does not improve noticeably for the summer. We could not prevent layoffs either, “added Francioni. “But we are confident that by then, instead of entry restrictions and quarantine regulations, rapid tests and vaccinations will bring safety to travelers again.”
Francioni confirmed, therefore, the previous statements, according to which 1,000 jobs will be eliminated within two years through hiring freezes and through fluctuations, part-time work and early retirement.
He does not see the Swiss business model, aimed at high-paying entrepreneurs, under pressure due to the increase in virtual meetings. “It is not a challenge per se for the business model, but rather how it is used and operated. But I also see it that way that we will not go back to where we started from before the crisis for a long time, but some of the business meetings will remain digital for now. “
Normal operation only from 2024
At the same time, Francioni dispels hopes for a rapid improvement in the aviation business. “We estimate that it will take until 2024 for normal operation,” he said. And the volume of traffic will likely remain lower than before the pandemic. The virus is unpredictable and flies “on sight, so to speak.”
Francioni rules out the possibility that the Swiss will have to call Bern again for financial assistance, “depending on the current state and planning.” However, negative surprises can never be completely ruled out. He hopes that by the end of 2020, Switzerland still has more than 1 billion francs available from the 1.5 billion bank loan.
According to Francioni, a vaccination certificate for air travelers is currently not a problem for the Swiss. “It is the responsibility of the respective governments to issue entry regulations. Rapid Corona tests would be an important measure for us in a transition phase. “International harmonization would also be essential, at least within Europe.” This would accelerate recovery. “
