British Airways and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) have signed a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting out the principal terms under which the two airlines envisage entering into a commercial agreement.

British Airways and SWISS plan joint operations between the UK and Switzerland with codesharing on Heathrow Swiss routes from October 26th that will give customers convenient access to worldwide destinations via London and Zurich.

The Swiss TravelClub, SWISS's current frequent flyer programme, will be gradually integrated into British Airways' Executive Club. Miles already earned with SWISS will retain their current validity.

SWISS will also enter the oneworld alliance, of which British Airways is a founder member. This will provide the grouping with an additional high-quality carrier and an important additional hub in central Europe, serving one of the world's most important financial centers and providing customers with greater choice of destination, airline and global alliance.

Rod Eddington, Chief Executive of British Airways said: "I am delighted to welcome SWISS into the oneworld alliance. This commercial deal will benefit British Airways and the new SWISS which has a quality product, network and hub in Zurich which makes it a logical fit to oneworld in Central Europe." André Dosé, Chief Executive Officer of SWISS said: "We are proud to be a member of oneworld, one of the world's leading airline alliance. SWISS as well as oneworld clients will benefit from the enhanced network and the joint frequent flyer programs."

Its membership of oneworld and its agreement with British Airways significantly enhance SWISS's business prospects and perspectives. The oneworld members also aim to make greater use of Zurich Airport as a hub for the Central European market. SWISS becomes the ninth member of the oneworld partnership, joining reputed carriers

American Airlines
British Airways
Qantas
Cathay Pacific
Iberia
LanChile
Finnair
Aer Lingus

SWISS's customers will benefit from new connections and more frequencies: oneworld operates over 8600 flights a day to more than 570 destinations in 136 countries. SWISS customers can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on all oneworld services. They will also enjoy access to the 380 airport lounges on all six continents provided by oneworld's members.

As a fully-fledged member of oneworld, SWISS can substantially enhance its existing collaborations with the various other members and expand these throughout the alliance. In extending their invitation to join the alliance, the current oneworld members have also confirmed their confidence in SWISS
and its new business plan.

SWISS's oneworld membership will benefit Zurich Airport: the airport is set to become a new hub in the global alliance's network. The oneworld members intend to direct more of their services via Zurich, to make full use of the airport's available capacity and high comfort levels.