Swiss plans to reduce cabin crew by offering severance packages

Swiss International Air Lines is continuing its efforts to reduce its cabin crew surplus. In a message to its approximately 4,500 flight attendants, management announced that staffing levels are still too high.

The reasons for this include ongoing engine problems in the industry and a shortage of cockpit personnel. Therefore, the originally expected balanced staffing levels will probably not be reached until 2027.

The management letter states that the renewed deterioration of the geopolitical situation and the recent significant increase in oil prices have heightened uncertainty and put pressure on finances. Therefore, short-term cost savings are necessary.

15,000 francs for voluntary resignation

To reduce the surplus quickly, Swiss is relying on voluntary measures, most notably a severance package: employees who resign between March 13 and April 30, 2026, and leave by the end of August will receive a one-time gross payment of CHF 15,000, based on full-time employment. For many cabin crew members, this equates to several months' salary. The starting salary, excluding expenses and allowances, is around CHF 4,000.

The airline also mentions other ways to reduce staffing levels. These include longer unpaid leave during particularly overstaffed months, reduced working hours, extended maternity leave, or switching to the so-called «Study & Fly» model for students.

The aim is to reduce the staff surplus «quickly, effectively, and in a targeted manner.» At the same time, management made it clear that voluntary measures are preferred, but layoffs have not been ruled out should these measures fall short of expectations.