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**SWISS Reports Strong Operating Performance in First Nine Months of 2024 Despite Increasing Costs and Yield Pressures**
*Zurich, Switzerland – October 2024* – Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), the flag carrier of Switzerland and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, has reported robust operating performance for the first nine months of 2024, despite facing significant challenges from rising operational costs and yield pressures. The airline's ability to maintain profitability and operational efficiency in a volatile market environment underscores its resilience and strategic adaptability.
### **Key Financial Highlights**
For the period from January to September 2024, SWISS reported:
- **Revenue Growth**: SWISS saw a year-on-year increase in total revenue, driven by strong passenger demand and a recovery in international travel. The airline's revenue for the first nine months of 2024 reached CHF 4.2 billion, up from CHF 3.8 billion in the same period in 2023.
- **Operating Profit**: Despite rising costs, SWISS posted an operating profit of CHF 450 million, a slight increase from CHF 430 million in the previous year. This was achieved through a combination of cost-control measures, network optimization, and improved load factors.
- **Passenger Numbers**: SWISS carried approximately 15.5 million passengers in the first nine months of 2024, a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The airline's capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), also grew by 5%, reflecting the continued recovery of global air travel demand.
- **Load Factor**: The airline's load factor, a key measure of how efficiently it fills seats, remained strong at 83.5%, slightly above the industry average. This was supported by a well-balanced mix of leisure and business travelers, as well as a strategic focus on high-demand routes.
### **Challenges: Rising Costs and Yield Pressures**
While SWISS has demonstrated strong performance, the airline has not been immune to the broader challenges facing the aviation industry. Rising fuel prices, inflationary pressures, and increased labor costs have all contributed to higher operating expenses. In particular:
- **Fuel Costs**: The global increase in oil prices has led to a significant rise in jet fuel costs, which remain one of the largest expenses for airlines. SWISS has been actively managing its fuel hedging strategy to mitigate the impact of price volatility, but the overall cost burden has still increased.
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