Because of engine problems: Switzerland lost triple-digit millions

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According to operations manager Oliver Buchhofer, there are no immediate signs that the situation will ease: “We assume that the problem with the engines will accompany us until 2026,” he said in an interview published with Tamedia on Monday.

Last year, Switzerland experienced delays in flight operations due to problems with engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney. Even then Switzerland was sometimes short of eight aircraft. According to Buchhofer, the failures cost Switzerland mid-three-digit million.

Chartering flights due to bottlenecks

Buchhofer said the airline had “constructive discussions” with the engine manufacturer and was confident a solution would be found. “An out-of-court solution is always preferable. But we don’t want to get stuck with costs.”

To cope with capacity bottlenecks, Switzerland continues to rely on wet lease flights, among other things: as Buchhofer said, passengers are carried by Latvian Air Baltic and Helvetic Airlines instead of Swiss.

Air Baltic’s salaries are criticized

Buchhofer rejected criticism of the salaries of Air Baltic employees, who earn significantly less than Swiss employees. «Air Baltic employees are not employed by us and the majority fly Air Baltic routes. “We have a valid contract with Air Baltic and comply with all European regulations regarding wet leasing.”

According to his own statement, Buchhofer is not interested in taking over the position of Swiss boss Dieter Vranckx, who will resign in the middle of the year: “We are currently facing major challenges in our daily operations. That’s my focus.

(SDA/smt)

Source :Blick