The first step in 1996 was a stake in Belgium 's Sabena . Under the leadership of Swissair , the airline alliance Qualiflyer Group was founded in 1998 . Other interests in the Italian Volare , Air Littoral of France and the German LTU were added . Initially positive annual results in 1997 and 1998 spurred the board to continue the strategy . The crash of Swissair Flight 111 overshadowed the fiscal year 1998 . Delta Air Lines announced in 1999 the interruption of the cooperation with Swissair and Austrian Airlines and left the Qualiflyer Group
Swissair Flight 111
Swissair Flight 111
Philippe Bruggisser