Air traffic Swiss strives for higher punctuality targets

The airline Swiss is setting itself ambitious targets to improve its punctuality and fulfill its premium claim. Head of Commercial Heike Birlenbach explains the airline's challenges and plans.

The airline Swiss is striving to strengthen its image as a premium provider. Head of Commercial Heike Birlenbach emphasized in a media interview that the airline is working intensively to meet the high standards. A key aspect of this is punctuality, which customers strongly associate with the premium image.

Challenges with punctuality

Swiss is currently struggling with punctuality problems which, according to Birlenbach, are not always the airline's responsibility. Two thirds of delays are due to external factors such as European air traffic control and airspace bottlenecks. Despite these challenges, Swiss is aiming for a punctuality rate of 70 percent, weather permitting. However, Birlenbach admits that this figure will not be sustainable, as the systems around the airline are very fragile.

Future plans and new concepts

In addition to its efforts to ensure punctuality, Swiss is also planning innovations for its passengers. The "Swiss Senses" concept, which is to be introduced in 2025, promises new cabin interiors and improvements, particularly for economy class on long-haul flights. More details are to be announced in the coming week.

Birlenbach emphasizes that Swiss must continue to hold intensive discussions with all parties involved in order to achieve the punctuality targets in the long term. The 70 percent mark is merely an interim target on the way to a more stable performance.

SDA