Over 70 years, Swissair grew slowly from a small national carrier to a dependable worldwide airline. Changing economic conditions within Europe coupled with alleged mismanagement haunted the company throughout its final decades.
March 26, 1931, after the completed merger of Swiss airlines Balair and Ad Astra Aero. The airline operated until March 31, 2002 when financial troubles grounded the airline.
Beginning in the late 1980s, Swissair began to buy small competing airlines in an attempt to gain market share. Crossair, Covia, Sabena and Austrian Air represent a few the first buy-ins.
Swissair formed the European Quality Alliance in 1990 to increase its competitiveness in the European Economic Area. This program's name changed to the Qualiflyer Group in 1998.
According to the Aviation Safety Network Swissair reported 16 accidents, including 390 fatalities from 1950 to 1998.
Swiss International Air Lines was created in 2002 following Swissair's grounding. It absorbed much of Swissair's assets, including its fleet, employees and many routes.
Nelly Diener was hired by Swissair in 1934 to be the first air hostess in Europe.
