AVIATION NEWS-Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) announced that Heike Birlenbach, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), will leave the company at the end of September 2026, concluding a distinguished 36-year career within the Lufthansa Group.
Birlenbach, who has served as SWISS Chief Commercial Officer since the beginning of 2024, will pursue new professional opportunities outside the Lufthansa Group after stepping down. During her tenure, she played a key role in strengthening the airline’s premium positioning and advancing several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the customer experience.
Under her leadership, SWISS introduced its new long-haul travel concept, SWISS Senses, expanded its customer strategy, strengthened partnerships within Switzerland, and accelerated the digitalisation and modernisation of customer services. She also initiated the repositioning of SWISS WorldCargo, contributing significantly to the airline’s commercial development and long-term strategy.
Commenting on her departure, SWISS Chief Executive Officer Jens Fehlinger praised Birlenbach’s contribution to the airline, highlighting her commitment to the company’s premium ambitions, customer-focused strategy, and leadership across the organisation.
As part of broader leadership changes within the Lufthansa Group, the Chief Commercial Officer position at airline level will be discontinued. Responsibilities related to customer experience will be assumed directly by CEO Jens Fehlinger, while SWISS WorldCargo will be integrated into the airline’s Finance division to ensure a smooth organisational transition.
Before joining SWISS, Birlenbach held several senior leadership roles across the Lufthansa Group in London, Amsterdam, Milan, Munich, and Frankfurt, where she was instrumental in developing global sales operations, digital customer channels, and innovative service concepts.
SWISS is Switzerland’s national airline and a member of the Lufthansa Group and the Star Alliance network. The carrier operates one of Europe’s most modern aircraft fleets, providing premium passenger and cargo services from its hubs in Zurich and Geneva while continuing its commitment to sustainability and high-quality customer service.