Switzerland’s new national carrier, which replaced the bankrupt SwissAir over the weekend, will make 14 weekly flights between Israel and Switzerland.
The new airline, called "Swiss", begins operations on March 31. Swiss will operate the international routes of SwissAir and its regional subsidiary, CrossAir.
There will be two daily flights on the Tel Aviv route, using the same Airbus 330 planes used by SwissAir.
The Ministry of Transport's Civil Aviation Administration received all legal documents regarding the new airline flight rights to Israel. The rights are identical to the rights of SwissAir. SwissAir-Swiss managers in Israel believe approval will be granted.
El Al and Swiss are now negotiating a code-sharing agreement. Negotiations are in the advanced stage, with an agreement expected in a few weeks. Approval of the agreement will allow the new airline to offer a single El Al-Swiss ticket to passengers flying on the 24 weekly flights to Switzerland from Israel. Ten of the weekly flights will be on El Al planes.
Swiss will honor all SwissAir and CrossAir tickets issued through March 31, and the two companies’ “Qualiflyer” frequent flier program.
Most SwissAir employees in Israel, whose jobs are due to expire at the end of March, will be offered positions with Swiss.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 3 February 2002