Airlines Question Swissair Rescue Plan

British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and other European carriers say they oppose a government-backed rescue of Swissair Group.

Switzerland’s government, biggest companies and wealthiest people agreed to put up $2.5 billion to keep Swissair flying.

Rivals say the cash puts Swissair at a competitive advantage when the entire industry is suffering as air travel falls after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.

“Aid like this could damage the whole future of the airline industry,” said Hugo Baas, a KLM spokesman.

“Airlines run correctly before the current crisis are facing a situation where they could end up weaker than those that are now being given aid.”