SWISS Reports CHF 421 Million Operating Result for First Nine Months of 2026

SWISS achieved an operating result of CHF 421.4 million for the first nine months of 2026, broadly in line with the prior-year period. T

Financial Performance
- Operating result (Adjusted EBIT): CHF 421.4 million, up 2.5% from CHF 411.2 million in Q1-Q3 2025.
- Operating income: CHF 4.38 billion, a 5.3% increase year-on-year.
- Strong passenger demand and higher revenues helped offset rising operating costs.

Key Growth Drivers
- Continued strong demand for air travel.
- Positive yield performance, particularly in:
- Premium travel classes
- Long-haul routes
- Robust performance from SWISS WorldCargo, especially on Asia-bound routes.

Impact of Higher Fuel Costs
- Rising fuel prices significantly reduced profitability gains.
- Additional revenue generated during the period was largely offset by higher fuel expenses.
- Cost-control and efficiency measures helped prevent an earnings decline.

Cargo Business Performance
- Air cargo operations outperformed expectations.
- Strong demand to and from Asia boosted earnings contributions.
- Cargo remains an important complementary revenue stream for SWISS.

Operational Highlights
- Passengers carried: Approximately 13.7 million (-0.7% YoY).
- Flights operated: Around 106,500 (-3.0% YoY).
- Seat load factor: Improved by 0.4 percentage points.
- Flight schedule remained largely stable despite:
- Pilot shortages
- Engine shortages in the short-haul fleet

Operational Performance
- Departure punctuality: Improved to 69.0% (+0.8 percentage points).
- Operating stability: Declined to 96.9% (-0.9 percentage points).
- Extreme weather conditions during summer created operational challenges.

Q3 2026 Snapshot
- Operating income: CHF 1.61 billion (+8.9%).
- Adjusted EBIT: CHF 232.1 million (+7.4%).
- Passengers: Around 5.2 million (-2.7%).
- Flights: Around 39,100 (-1.1%).

Management Commentary
- CFO Dennis Weber said strong travel demand and strict cost management helped cushion the impact of higher fuel costs.
- CEO Jens Fehlinger noted that while demand remains high and aircraft are well booked, rising fuel, maintenance, and personnel costs continue to pressure profitability.

Outlook
- SWISS expects fuel prices to remain a major challenge through the fourth quarter and into 2027.
- The airline will continue focusing on:
- Cost reduction initiatives
- Process improvements
- Operational efficiency
- 2026 is being viewed as a transition year, laying the foundation for future growth and investments in customers, employees, and fleet modernization.

Key Q1-Q3 2026 Figures
- Operating Income: CHF 4.38 billion (+5.3%)
- Adjusted EBIT: CHF 421.4 million (+2.5%)
- Passengers: 13.7 million (-0.7%)
- Flights: 106,500 (-3.0%)
- Seat Load Factor: +0.4 percentage points