In 1981, Crossair's third year of operation, new flights operate between Zurich and Hannover, Rotterdam and Maastricht. Crossair is allowed to operate flights from Basel-Mulhouse. This was an excellent move for the Basel region since Swissair was just dropping most of the Basel flights at this time. In 1982, Crossair for the first time in history offered scheduled flights from Basel to Brussels, Geneva, Munich, Vienna and Zurich. After Swissair dropped the flights from Basel to Paris and Frankfurt, Crossair took over these flights. It became clear that Crossair’s product, operating with small aircraft and with a good schedule, was a success.

Smart looking Boeing 747-200 were delivered in 1971 to operate long haul flights from Zurich. (Photo: Airliners.net) ??

A decisive moment came with the airline’s commitment to modern turboprop aircraft, particularly the Saab 340. Crossair had placed an order for ten of these aircraft in 1980, and the first unit entered service in June 1984, operating routes such as Basel to Paris Charles de Gaulle. This aircraft became the backbone of Crossair’s regional network, allowing the airline to increase frequency, improve reliability, and open thinner routes that would not have been viable with larger jets.

Throughout the mid-1980s, Crossair expanded steadily from its bases at Zürich and Basel. The airline focused on short-haul routes linking Switzerland with key regional cities in France, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Its business model relied on high-frequency services tailored to business travellers, a strategy that differentiated it from many traditional carriers. By the mid-1980s, the airline had also relocated its headquarters to Zürich Airport in Kloten, reflecting the growing importance of Zürich as a hub in its network.

The late 1980s saw further fleet growth and network densification. Additional Saab 340 aircraft were delivered throughout the decade, enabling Crossair to expand into secondary European destinations and strengthen its presence in established markets. The airline increasingly focused on connecting smaller regional cities to major hubs, effectively feeding traffic into larger airlines, particularly Swissair. By this time, Crossair had established a reputation for operational efficiency and punctuality, qualities that became central to its brand identity.

Entering the 1990s, Crossair transitioned from a purely turboprop regional airline into a more complex hybrid carrier. One of the most significant developments was the introduction of jet aircraft. In 1990, Crossair began operating British Aerospace BAe 146 jets, followed by larger variants in the early 1990s. These aircraft allowed the airline to serve higher-demand routes and compete more effectively with other European carriers on busier sectors. The addition of jets marked a strategic shift, enabling Crossair to extend its network beyond purely regional operations and into medium-density European routes.

At the same time, the airline continued expanding its route network across Europe. During the early 1990s, Crossair increased its presence in major markets such as France, Germany, and Italy, while also developing services to other parts of Europe. Its multi-hub strategy—centered on Zürich, Basel, Geneva, Bern, and Lugano—allowed it to build a dense network of short-haul connections, linking smaller cities with major economic centers.

A major milestone came in 1992 when Crossair became a founding member of the Qualiflyer frequent flyer program, alongside Swissair and Austrian Airlines. This development signaled the airline’s deeper integration into the European airline alliance system and enhanced its appeal to business travellers, who could now earn and redeem miles across multiple carriers.

The mid-1990s were particularly transformative. In 1995, Swissair acquired a two-thirds majority stake in Crossair, fundamentally altering the airline’s strategic position. This investment was tied to a major fleet expansion, including the purchase of Avro RJ100 jets, with additional options secured. As part of this restructuring, Swissair outsourced much of its regional flying to Crossair and transferred certain operations, including charter services previously operated by Balair. This effectively positioned Crossair as the regional arm of the Swissair Group, responsible for feeding passengers into Swissair’s long-haul network.

Fleet modernisation continued at pace during this period. In addition to the Avro RJ series, Crossair became a launch customer for the Saab 2000 in 1994, a high-speed turboprop that offered jet-like performance with lower operating costs. The airline would go on to operate one of the largest Saab 2000 fleets in the world, using the aircraft to serve both passenger routes and cargo partnerships with companies such as DHL and FedEx. This aircraft significantly enhanced the airline’s competitiveness on regional routes, particularly those requiring high frequency and quick turnaround times.

Crossair also distinguished itself through innovative marketing and branding initiatives during the 1990s. The airline became known for special aircraft liveries, including collaborations with cultural and commercial partners. One notable example was a livery promoting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” in Basel, as well as the famous “McPlane,” a partnership with McDonald’s that included onboard branding and themed services. These initiatives helped raise the airline’s profile and reinforced its image as a dynamic and unconventional carrier.

By the late 1990s, Crossair had grown into a major regional airline with a broad European network. A particularly important strategic move came in 1997–1998 with the creation of Crossair Europe, a subsidiary based on the French side of the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. This move was designed to circumvent restrictions on Swiss airlines operating within the European Union. Crossair Europe began operations in 1998 with routes to cities such as Marseille, Milan, and Venice, further expanding the group’s reach within Europe.

This expansion contributed to a significant increase in passenger numbers, with Crossair handling over 4 million passengers by 1998. The airline’s network had grown substantially compared to earlier years, and when combined with Swissair’s operations, the number of destinations served from Basel alone rose dramatically during this period.

By 1998, Crossair had firmly established itself as one of Europe’s leading regional airlines. It operated a diverse fleet that included Saab 340s, Saab 2000s, BAe 146 jets, and Avro RJ aircraft, enabling it to serve a wide range of route types from low-density regional sectors to busier European connections. The airline’s integration into the Swissair Group, combined with its operational efficiency and innovative approach, positioned it as a central pillar of Swiss aviation.

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In 1983, Crossair opens it’s maintenance base in Basel. In 1987 Crossair sells its last Metroliner and orders 3 additional Saab340. In 1988 Crossair and Saab announce to build a new turboprop aircraft: the Saab2000 Concordino. Swissair and Crossair intensify it’s wet-lease agreements. Crossair buys 5 Fokker50 and orders 25 Saab2000 aircraft as well as 4 Avro RJ85 in 1989.

In 1991 Fokker 50 are operated. Swissair then takes over the majority of Crossair as it realises it is now a serious threat. In Basel, the airline opens it’s conference and training centre with various simulators. In 1993 Swissair buys more Crossair stocks and now owns 56.1% of Crossair. A new Livery which shows its proximity to Swissair is introduced. Saab 2000 makes it's first flight, and Avro RJ 85's are introduced to the Swissair fleet

In 1994 Crossair took over Balair/CTA, and took in several MD82/83. (Photo: airliners.net)

The Swissair group decides to give all flights up to hundred seats to Crossair in 1994. Crossair orders 12 Avro RJ100. In the same year, Crossair took over the medium-range business of Balair/CTA. Therefore, several MD82/83 joined the Crossair fleet and shall be the largest aircraft ever operated by Crossair. In 1996 Crossair gets their first Avro RJ100's and orders new Embraer 145 jets. The SAirGroup is created in 1997, and Crossair becomes part of the SAirLines Company.

Crossair receives the first RJ-100 in 1996 and continues to expand, making it now a true competitor to Swissair. (Photo: airliners.net)