by Lufthansa Flyer | Jun 13, 2012 | Airlines |
In an article published in Handelszeitung, it is being suggested that Swiss is having internal conversations regarding the potential splitting of Swiss into two separate carriers as part of improving operating results. One would be focused on long-haul flights while the other would be focused on short haul routes. It was also suggested that the short haul carrier may be based outside of Switzerland. A spokesperson for Swiss suggested that there are no immediate plans for such a move.
The article also referenced an internal document that referred to the two different carriers as “Calvin” and “Zwingli” and also cited that there are other scenarios being discussed. Why Calvin and Zwingli? Click Here.
Currently Swiss does have a European subsidiary that operates certain European routes, but Swiss International also operates certain European flights in addition to their long haul flights. This plan may be designed to formally create a dedicated airline that will serve only and all of Swiss’ European destinations.
No doubt the driving factor behind finding operating efficiencies is Lufthansa’s focus on its SCORE program where it aims to reduce operating expenses by €1.4 billion by 2015. Swiss has committed to finding at least €84 million as part of their contribution to the SCORE initiative.
This is not the first time that The Lufthansa Group has considered the idea of having a separate low cost carrier (LCC). In April, Lufthansa had suggested that it is considering creating an LCC that is referred to internally as “Direct 4 You” that would focus on Intra-European routes and compete directly against Ryanair, Easyjet and other European LCC’s.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Jun 12, 2012 | Airlines |
Swiss has launched a short-term fare sale for travel between Switzerland and desitnations in the Middle East. The fare sale starts June 13 (In Europe, so it is in effect NOW) and ends on June 18. Travel must occur between July 1 and August 31, 2012. The fares are not refundable.
To take advantage of these fares, please visit the Swiss Middle East Fare Promotion Site.
Sample Fares from SWISS.com:
From Zurich:
Dubai from CHF 599.- ($623.00)
Tel Aviv from CHF 333.- ($347.00)
From Basel:
Muscat from CHF 499.– ($520.00)
From Geneva:
Dubai from CHF 649. ($675.00)
FARE TERMS/CONDITIONS:
• Price includes round-trip travel, taxes and fees
• Price may vary depending on airport of departure
• Booking period: June 13 – June 18, 2012
• Travel period: July 1 – August 31, 2012
• Minimum stay: Sat./Sun. night or 3 nights.
• Maximum stay: 1 month
by Lufthansa Flyer | Jun 12, 2012 | Airlines |
In my stack of mail today was an offer from United for their MileagePlus Explorer Card offering 50,000 miles after the first use, 5000 miles for an authorized user on the account and then 10,000 miles for every $25,000 you spend on the card in a calendar year.
If you are interested here is the link that was provided in the mailing
NOTE: This is not an affiliate link, I do not receive any compensation for this offer! – though a quick thanks will be appreciated!. This is the link that was in the mailer.
The link requires you to enter your MileagePlus account number. If you are not a member, there is a link to enroll.
The best offer that I have seen for this card had been a 40,000 bonus after the first use of the card. Apologies if you have already seen this offer, however this is the first time that I’ve seen it.
