Swiss reduces fares on European network and cuts destinations and aircraft

Airline Industry Information, August 29, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Swiss International Air Lines has reportedly slashed fares on its European network, in order to compete with low-cost carriers.

The airline is now offering flights to London, UK for CHF54 one way, to Berlin, Germany from CHF49 and to Paris, France from CHF39. The new prices are designed to compete with German carrier Lufthansa and no-frills airlines Ryanair and easyJet which offer low prices on their short-haul networks.

In an attempt to distinguish itself from its competitors, the airline is allowing its passengers to choose business class for one way and economy for the other.

The airline has also announced plans to reduce its European destinations from 56 to 41 and will cut about a third of its fleet and workforce by October 2003, Reuters reported.

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