One For Fluff

Fidgits · December 1, 2003

This one is really for Fluffy, I read last week that Swiss Air has joined the 'One World' alliance..

So what this means is, BA & Swiss are going to share the UK/Swiss routes... and if you have a swiss frequent flyer, you should be able to use this on other airlines (BA, AA, FinnAir etc...)

Commercial pact signed with Swiss
British Airways and Swiss International Airlines today signed a legally binding memorandum of understanding under which the two airlines envisage entering into a commercial agreement.

British Airways and Swiss plan joint operations between the UK and Switzerland with codesharing on London Heathrow Swiss routes from October 26 that will give both airlines’ customers convenient access to worldwide destinations via London and Zurich.

The Swiss frequent flyer scheme will be gradually integrated into the British Airways’ Executive Club. Miles already earned with Swiss will retain their current validity.

In addition, BA will enter into a slot exchange agreement for eight Heathrow daily slot pairs from Swiss.

Swiss will also enter the oneworld alliance, of which British Airways is a founder member. This will provide the grouping with an additional high-quality carrier and an important additional airport hub in central Europe, serving one of the world’s most important financial centres and providing customers with greater choice of destination, airline and global alliance. (See separate press release from oneworld for further details).

Rod Eddington, chief executive of British Airways, said: “I am delighted to welcome Swiss into the oneworld alliance. This commercial deal will benefit both British Airways and the new Swiss, which has a quality product, network and hub in Zurich which makes it a logical fit to oneworld in Central Europe.”

Andre Dose, chief executive officer of Swiss said: “We are proud to be a member of oneworld, the world’s leading international alliance. Swiss as well as oneworld clients will benefit from the enhanced network and the joint frequent flyer programmes.”

Rob · December 1, 2003

yes mate thats correct - BUT the catch is for swiss to join they had to give up 8 slots at heathrow to BA ( cue the BA managers laughing at the bank) on the promise that they would look at taking a share in swiss to help support the airline, now we read in todays papers that BA will not give financial support to Swiss - well done Swiss!!!

Funny thing is Lufthansa were going to buy approx 25 -30% share in swiss if swiss decided to join star alliance, egg and face on the CEO springs to mind

OH BTW if anyone does go to a destination where SWISS and BA code share the flight book with BA it is cheaper even though it is the same plane/flight. :tsktsk: