THE commercial agreement between Swiss and British
Airways has collapsed, ending Swiss’ hopes of joining the Oneworld alliance.
The two carriers announced a wide ranging tie-up,
involving codesharing on several routes, the integration of frequent-flyer programmes
and slot exchanges, in September last year (Travel Weekly September 29).
The collapse centres on the proposed
integration of Swiss’ frequent-flyer programme into its BA counterpart. Swiss
is keen to protect its customers’ details, especially lucrative business
travellers, and has also been unable to agree who will pick up the
responsibility for unspent miles.
Only the codeshare between Heathrow and Geneva will
remain. Other codeshares – including links from Heathrow, Gatwick and London
City to Zurich and Basle – will end in October.
BA chief Rod Eddington said he was “disappointed” by
Swiss’ move.
The collapse leaves the door open for Lufthansa to
renew its interest in Swiss.