Switzerland's new flag-carrier takes to the skies

Switzerland's new national airline has taken to the air.

Swiss combines the services of the defunct carrier Swissair and regional airline Crossair.

Its first flight was a 30-minute hop from Basel to Zurich - the two headquarters of the new airline.

A spokesman says Swiss boss Andre Dose was among those on board the flight.

The new airline combines the profitable regional service of Crossair with many, but not all, of the short- and long-haul routes flown by Swissair.

The new company will have 128 aircraft and will serve 126 destinations in 59 countries.

Swiss has 5,500 employees - 2,000 fewer than Swissair - and former Swissair pilots have accepted a 35% pay cut to fly for Swiss.