Swiss International Air Lines said it will launch its Shanghai-Zurich direct flight in March 2008, using its Airbus A340 fleet.

 

There are no direct flights at present between the Chinese mainland and Switzerland. The bankrupt Swissair suspended its direct flight from Shanghai and Beijing to Zurich in 2002.

 

With Air China and Shanghai Airlines due to join the Star Alliance next year, Swiss International is also expected to collaborate with two domestic partners to offer its customers services from Shanghai to other Chinese destinations.

 

Beijing is also set to appear on the company's timetable next spring, under a code-share operation with Lufthansa via Munich.

 

"Our new services should ensure that Switzerland enjoys attractive air connections with what is currently the world's fastest-growing market," Swiss International Chief Executive Officer Christoph Franz said.

 

In addition to Shanghai, the company will launch a Delhi-Zurich route starting November 25, using Airbus 330s.

 

Since last November, Switzerland's national airline has added five Airbus A320-family aircraft to its European fleet and has introduced two additional Airbus A330s.

 

(Shanghai Daily June 6, 2007)