SABENA has set out a timetable for the start of network-wide co-operation with Swissair.
The two airlines are to roll out the Swissair and Sabena sales and marketing partnership on January 1 2000.
The partnership was originally set up as a subsidiary called Airline Management Company.
In the UK, Sabena general manager UK and Ireland Marc Nelis takes on the role of deputy general manager in the new arrangement. He reports to Swissair general manager UK and Ireland Kirk Albrow.
Nelis said: “There will be one team looking after Sabena, Swissair and Crossair. We will have joint pricing but also some separate promotions.”
Only two staff, one from Swissair and one from Sabena, have been made redundant. Others took early retirement and voluntary redundancy.
Besides the Swissair/Sabena agreement, the airlines are set to welcome LOT Polish Airlines into Qualiflyer on January 1. This follows Swissair taking a stake in LOT this year.
Swissair and Sabena have also won approval to codeshare with American Airlines in place of Delta Air Lines and are seeking anti-trust immunity to enable schedule cooperation and joint pricing.