TRANSPORTATION

Swissair to Cut Staff: Switzerland’s national carrier will eliminate 1,000 jobs, or more than 5% of its staff, by the end of the year in an effort to trim soaring costs, its chief executive said. Otto Loepfe also hinted that a merger with another airline could be a part of Swissair’s long-term plans. Swissair has been plagued by high staff costs. They make up 40% of its overall costs, compared to 20% at British Airways and less than 30% at Germany’s Lufthansa. It has already cut 400 jobs this year.