© swissair VA 2021
Swissair (official name Swissair Schweizerische Luftverkehr-
Aktiengesellschaft) founded by Balthasar Zimmermann and
the Swiss aviation pioneer Walter Mittelholzer, based in
Kloten was from 26.March 1931 until its moratorium on
02.October 2001, the national airline of Switzerland.
On 1 October 2001, the public was informed in an official
press conference about the “Phoenix” project which was
created to grant a definite forbearance deferment. A
transitional financing for continuation of the service did not
come in time, although the Federal Council was prepared to
take over half of the credit.
On 2 October 2001 the liquidity needs rose sharply, as all
suppliers insisted on cash and settlement of outstanding
invoices on the eve of the moratorium. The cash reserves of
Swissair filed that day were enough to carry out the first
morning flights. During the morning the fuel supplier
refused to refuel the waiting aircraft. At 15:45 the CEO Mario
Corti cancelled all flight operations completely because of
security risks, that would overstep and not conform with the
Flight Duty Regulations anymore.
Thus, one of the most important national symbols of
Switzerland hit rock bottom, leaving thousands of
passengers from around the world stranded and many flight
crews stuck abroad. The company credit cards were blocked
by the banks, causing Swissair staff to be expelled from the
crew hotels and having to return home at their own
expense.
EMERGENCE OF SWISSAIR VIRTUAL AIRLINE
Swissair Virtual Airline has already existed, but this was
abandoned for various reasons.
As a long-time, virtual pilot, with aviation background, and
having worked for the former Swissair, my wish is to let this
airline get back into the virtual skies.
The motivation reasons were to combine reality with a little
imagination. Thus arose the …… Swissair Virtual Airline.
Although there is a CEO, the the pilots also have a say, to a
certain point. His beloved plane for instance, that he has
flown a long time and knows well without collecting first
hours with a ATR72 to fly away?
Our motto: With us this is possible!
In this spirit, I look forward to new pilots and say only
“Welcome on board!”
With thanks and best regards
Stephan Ricci
CEO Swissair Virtual Airline
HISTORY OF SWISSAIR
© swissair VA 2021
Swissair (official name Swissair Schweizerische Luftverkehr-
Aktiengesellschaft) founded by Balthasar Zimmermann and
the Swiss aviation pioneer Walter Mittelholzer, based in
Kloten was from 26.March 1931 until its moratorium on
02.October 2001, the national airline of Switzerland.
On 1 October 2001, the public was informed in an official
press conference about the “Phoenix” project which was
created to grant a definite forbearance deferment. A
transitional financing for continuation of the service did not
come in time, although the Federal Council was prepared to
take over half of the credit.
On 2 October 2001 the liquidity needs rose sharply, as all
suppliers insisted on cash and settlement of outstanding
invoices on the eve of the moratorium. The cash reserves of
Swissair filed that day were enough to carry out the first
morning flights. During the morning the fuel supplier
refused to refuel the waiting aircraft. At 15:45 the CEO Mario
Corti cancelled all flight operations completely because of
security risks, that would overstep and not conform with
the Flight Duty Regulations anymore.
Thus, one of the most important national symbols of
Switzerland hit rock bottom, leaving thousands of
passengers from around the world stranded and many
flight crews stuck abroad. The company credit cards were
blocked by the banks, causing Swissair staff to be expelled
from the crew hotels and having to return home at their
own expense.
EMERGENCE OF SWISSAIR VIRTUAL AIRLINE
Swissair Virtual Airline has already existed, but this was
abandoned for various reasons.
As a long-time, virtual pilot, with aviation background, and
having worked for the former Swissair, my wish is to let this
airline get back into the virtual skies.
The motivation reasons were to combine reality with a little
imagination. Thus arose the …… Swissair Virtual Airline.
Although there is a CEO, the the pilots also have a say, to a
certain point. His beloved plane for instance, that he has
flown a long time and knows well without collecting first
hours with a ATR72 to fly away?
Our motto: With us this is possible!
In this spirit, I look forward to new pilots and say only
“Welcome on board!”
With thanks and best regards
Stephan Ricci
CEO Swissair Virtual Airline
HISTORY OF SWISSAIR
