SWISS and British Airways formalise codeshare agreement

The strategic alliance between the two airlines will see the provision of codeshare services, a joint frequent flyer programme, and the provision of a CHF 50 million guarantee for SWISS from British Airways.

Says Felix Rodel, SWISS' Area Manager for the Arabian Gulf, "SWISS and British Airways will continue services between Switzerland, through Zurich, Basel and Geneva, as well as London Heathrow as a shared operation involving codeshare flights. In addition, we are very proud to join the oneworldTM alliance and strengthen our partnership with British Airways, bringing the added advantage of using Zurich Airport as a hub for the Central European market."

As a member of oneworldTM alliance, the global grouping of leading air carriers, SWISS' customers will benefit from a substantially expanded range of services. They will have full access to the oneworld network with 573 destinations in 136 countries around the globe. The passengers will also enjoy the benefits of frequent flyer programmes of all the oneworldTM partners together with the facilities of their 380 airport lounges.

SWISS was invited to join the oneworld alliance because geographically it complements the various oneworld hubs and brings additional destinations to the network. Besides, British Airways, SWISS enjoys codeshare partnership with some of the oneworld members namely American Airlines, Finnair, Iberia and Qantas.

SWISS has also earned the coveted distinction of being Europe's Leading Airline in the 2003 World Travel Awards. These are presented each year in eight geographical categories (Africa, Asia/Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America) and are based on the votes of several hundred IATA travel agencies in over 200 countries.