SWISSAIR intends to roll out its smart-card passenger tracking service at Heathrow by the end of the year.
Some 1,000 frequent flyers are currently taking part in a trial of the ‘Fast Check’ at Zurich airport.
They are tracked from the moment they start their journey to the airport and advised of delays, flight changes and other information.
Once at the airport, customer-care staff are on hand to help with lounge access and airport directions.
Swissair UK and Ireland general manager Kirk Albrow said: “We will have someone looking after passengers for the whole travel process. It is part of an overall care service.”
Albrow said the Zurich trial will be finished by the end of this winter to iron out any glitches. The service, aimed mainly at first-class passengers, will then be offered at other Swissair airports.
Heathrow is the main target in the UK, but Manchester, where Swissair and partners have a dedicated area, may be equipped in the future.
Passengers are given a card that automatically triggers off sensors allowing the airline’s staff to keep track of them.
During Business Travel 2000 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, Albrow was on hand to show off a mock-up of how the process works, including the chance for visitors to try Swissair’s first-class seats.
Meanwhile, Swissair and Sabena are finalising their partnership across Europe.
The carriers already offer agents harmonised fares and one person for agents to deal with. They pay 7% commission.
Albrow said studies were currently being undertaken to enhance the hub capability of Brussels and Zurich to provide better transfers for customers.
Both carriers encourage UK travellers to use their hubs to connect onto long-haul flights and avoid Heathrow Airport.
This year, LOT Polish Airlines will join Swissair’s Qualiflyer alliance to provide the group with an important eastern European hub. Albrow said LOT will keep its codeshare agreements with British Airways despite siding with Swissair.
n See Business Travel 2000 reports, page 24, 25 and 26 and Backchat, page 82