Swiss (LX, Zurich) will invest about CHF1 billion Swiss francs (USD1.25 billion) annually over the next five years to modernise its operations in collaboration with Lufthansa Group, including the procurement of new aircraft, new seats, more sustainable fuels, and network planning.
In a statement shared with ch-aviation, the airline commented on Lufthansa Group's recent announcement that it will centralise key functions at Frankfurt International from January 1, 2026, in pursuit of cost savings and efficiency while balancing the need to preserve the national identity of its hub carriers Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines. "Such investments on this scale would not be feasible without the group," a spokesperson said.
On the implications for Swiss staff, the airline said: "We can confirm that it is possible that positions will be relocated from Frankfurt to Zurich, or vice versa. Reducing staff numbers would be the very last resort and is not the goal. At this point, we cannot say whether and where there will be changes. It is still too early for that; the details and precise structures will be finalised in the coming weeks and months. We at Swiss are closely involved in this process."
The airline stressed that the group reorganisation aims to speed up decision-making, clarify responsibilities, and improve efficiency, benefiting all member airlines. The Zürich-based carrier will remain independent, maintain its decision-making power, and continue collaborating within the group, with its operations expected to have an even greater influence on group-wide activities.
"Lufthansa Group needs a strong Swiss - and Swiss needs a strong Lufthansa Group. We contribute positively to the group's overall results and simultaneously benefit from its strengths."
The airline's statement comes as CEO Jens Fehlinger defended the centralisation plans, insisting the move will not dilute the Swiss flag carrier's independence but could lead to efficiency gains across the group.
Fehlinger told Switzerland's Blick tabloid that centralising functions such as IT systems and route planning makes sense at the group level and benefits passengers, while Swiss will retain control over customer-facing services. "History shows that in many areas it makes sense to operate as a group," he said, but acknowledged: "Anyone who books Swiss wants to experience Swiss."
The restructuring has raised concerns in Switzerland that the airline could lose autonomy as Lufthansa Group consolidates operations in Germany. Fehlinger countered that Swiss will remain an independent carrier with its own management board, brand, and headquarters in Zürich.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the centralisation could have consequences for staff. "It would be naive to rule out staff reductions," he said, "but that’s not our goal and always, the very last resort."
