SWISSAIR will continue to remain part of Qualiflyer despite the decision by long-time partner Austrian Airlines to drop out of the group to join Star Alliance.
The Swiss carrier said it is working on its relationships with other Qualiflyer members, especially Sabena, and is looking to replace Austrian’s place in the alliance.
Swissair general manager UK and Ireland Kirk Albrow said a closer relationship with Qualiflyer member Sabena will be unveiled next month under the Project Diamond programme (Travel Weekly July 5).
He said: “The joint relationship with Sabena will be closer and will cover sales, marketing and organisational matters.”
Albrow admitted it would be a loss for Swissair to sever ties with Austrian after 44 years of co-operation.
The loss of Austrian and its partners Lauda Air and Tyrolean Airways mean a significant slice of Qualiflyer’s long-haul connections will be lost. Swissair is also expected to lose its ties with Delta Air Lines next year following the US carrier’s tie-up with Air France but Albrow said it would continue to remain part of Qualiflyer.
Swissair is tipped to join British Airways’ Oneworld, and already has agreements with BA partners Qantas, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.
Austrian will gradually pull out of Qualiflyer before joining Star Alliance for summer 2000. This means the airline will leave Qualiflyer’s Hammersmith call centre and its headquarters in Leicester Square.
The carrier chose Star Alliance due to the opportunities for growth. Star Alliance is believed to have provided £14m to help the transfer. Austrian gives Star Alliance a range of eastern European connections and an established hub at Vienna.