Willy Everlearn - why do (did) they have such a big airline in a small country?
The answer is money. It was big business and it also encouraged investment in the country - kind of a flying Swiss bank.
That's how it was anyway. After a few years of - as they used to say - tory misrule, the thing has been quickly and comprehensively ruined. Apart from the poor Bggrs directly affected, the knock on effect to Swiss business (scratches in the shiny paintwork)will be very large - unless they can get something equivalent up and running fast. Signs are that they won't quite hack it.
PS signs are that the skies over CH may be getting more orange.