Swissair to Cut 9,000 Jobs, Fares for European Travel

Swissair Group, struggling to come back from a financial collapse, said Monday that it will cut 9,000 jobs worldwide and offer reduced-price tickets to lure more customers.

Chief Executive Mario Corti told an employee assembly about the job cuts, which represent nearly 13% of Swissair’s 71,000 workers, said spokesman Rainer Maier.

Swissair filed for protection from its creditors last week after the air travel chaos that followed the terrorist attacks on the United States overwhelmed the already troubled airline.

The carrier shut down operations Oct. 2 but was able to resume partial service Thursday after being promised a loan from the Swiss government.

The airline has been trying to recover most of this year from a failed expansion strategy.

Under the new fare schedule announced Monday, a standard round-trip, economy-class flight within continental Europe would cost about $188, which could mean savings of more than $627.

The comparable cash business-class fare within Europe will be $500. The offer is valid through Oct. 27.

On Oct. 28, Swissair will be taken over by its sister and regional carrier, Crossair.