25.08.2005
New fleet structure for short-haul operations; resizing and reconstitution of the Board of Directors
The SWISS Board of Directors resolved to streamline the company’s aircraft fleet structure when it met yesterday: the SWISS short-haul fleet will consist solely of Avro RJ and Airbus A320 family equipment from the start of the 2006 summer schedules. In a further development, the present eight-member Board of Directors is to be reduced to five members at an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on September 22, 2005.
In addition to the existing Airbus A320 family contingent, the SWISS short-haul aircraft fleet is to consist of 24 Avro RJ85 and RJ100 regional jets from the start of the 2006 summer schedules. The Board of Directors has resolved that the company’s Embraer 145s should be gradually withdrawn by the end of the coming winter schedules, while the Saab 2000 fleet will no longer be operated from the start of the winter timetable period. The Board simultaneously approved the expansion of the present Avro RJ fleet to 24 aircraft.
Gradual implementation of the fleet plan for regional operations
The new fleet plan should be gradually implemented. SWISS currently operates a fleet of 35 regional aircraft, consisting of seven Saab 2000s, nine Embraer 145s, four Avro RJ85s and 15 Avro RJ100s.
One Avro RJ100 will be handed over to its new owner as planned in October. The nine Embraer 145s will be leased out to other operators: corresponding negotiations are already well advanced. SWISS will lease-in six further Avro RJ100s in the course of the first quarter of 2006, and put these aircraft into operation.