As Switzerland prepares to launch its new national airline, Swiss, a new company - Air Switzerland - has just emerged, with its sights set on the charter market.

The new company plans to launch its operations next fall, according to its public relations agency Peter Knobel, based in Zug. It will initially employ 180 people, including pilots, crewmembers and ground personnel.

The founder of the project, Mario Ritter, lives in the neighbouring principality of Lichtenstein, and is already active in the tourism industry. However, the identity of the investors and the amount of the funding have not yet been revealed.

"We do not wish to reveal the investors' identity until all details are settled," said a Peter Knobel spokesman.

Air Switzerland will fly out of Zurich's Unique Airport using two Airbus A340-300s. Its main destinations will include Cape Town, Singapore, Bangkok and Las Vegas.

The new company, which will fly with the usual three class configuration, says its long-haul offer will benefit from a gap in the charter market. It will primarily target "tourists interested in distant locations and business people who want to travel at a low cost."

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