SWISSAIR is launching flights from Stansted to Zurich this summer using its new franchise subsidiary Swissair Express.
Travel Weekly exclusively revealed in January the carrier’s plans to launch flights from the airport.
Swissair Express is its first venture into franchising, which allows route expansion without acquiring new aircraft. The twice-daily service to Zurich begins on March 28 and will be operated with a 98-seat BAe 146 owned by Southend-based carrier Flightline.
The service will operate with a two-class cabin and airport lounge access, but the Flightline crew will wear Swissair uniforms.
Swissair general manager UK and Ireland Kirk Albrow said the carrier had considered starting a low-cost operation from Stansted – as British Airways has done – but opted for the franchise option to protect the airline’s brand image.
He said: “We looked at the low-cost option, but saw the success of US carriers which have sub-brands, like United Express. Swissair wants to grow its operations through franchises.”
Fares from Stansted start with an introductory offer of ú99 return for bookings up to March 31. Economy tickets will then be ú123 and ú348 for business class.
Albrow said Swissair had considered launching flights from Stansted a year ago to feed into long-haul services from Zurich. However, the move this summer was decided on due to a lack of new slots at Heathrow, its main UK airport.
“Stansted is the next best place to be, as there are also no Gatwick slots,” said Albrow.
He added Swissair wanted to establish itself at Stansted now before slots became too much of a premium.
Swissair Express will share Stansted check-in desks with Qualiflyer partner Sabena.
The new brand is also being launched from Zurich to Italy in partnership with Debonair at the end of the month. The Luton-based carrier is using three of its fleet to serve Venice, Florence and Bologna.
Future Swissair Express franchise carriers will include Air Littoral between Switzerland and France.