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Swiss to join OneWorld
British Airways and Swiss have signed an agreement that signals an increasing trend towards consolidation in the airline industry.
The deal is a boost for BA’s OneWorld alliance, as it provides an important additional hub in Europe. OneWorld could face increasing competition from the SkyTeam alliance if an agreement goes ahead between KLM and Air France that would mean the addition of the Dutch carrier into SkyTeam.
The deal also puts an end to industry speculation of a merger between Lufthansa and Swiss that would have meant the carrier joined the StarAlliance.
As part of the agreement the loss-making Swiss carrier has sold eight pairs of take-off and landing slots at Heathrow to BA.
For UK travellers it means more flight connections with Swiss from Zurich, and for Swiss passengers the same with BA from London. The deal also means Swiss’ frequent flyer programme, Swiss TravelClub, is gradually integrated into BA’s Executive Club.
At this stage both carriers have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the commercial agreement. BA will codeshare with Swiss on routes from London Heathrow, Geneva, Basle and Zurich.
BA chief executive, Rod Eddington (pictured) 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.”
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