Switzerland


 

Current News

 

08.12.2008  
Delta Air Lines Announces Service between Zurich and New York

Delta Air Lines has announced it will launch daily non-stop flights between Zurich Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport effective 9 June 2009. This flight complements the existing daily non-stop service between Zurich Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The new flight will offer passengers convenient connections to New York and to around 40 business and leisure destinations throughout the United States. This announcement forms part of a major global expansion announced today by the new Delta, the world’s largest airline. The announcement of the launch of 18 new trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic routes in 2009 means that the airline will provide service to nearly all the world’s major travel markets.

Delta will operate the new flights between Zurich and New York-FK with Boeing 757-200 ER aircraft with up to 174 seats in a two-class configuration featuring 16 seats in BusinessElite, Delta’s award-winning business class service and 158 seats in economy class. Customers flying on the new flight will have the opportunity to experience Delta’s award-winning BusinessElite service, offering a more personalised, comfortable and entertaining experience with all-leather sleeper seats, in-seat on-demand entertainment, innovative food offerings from celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein and award-winning, original wine selections chosen by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. Top

 

21.10.2008  
Delta, Northwest Stockholders Approve Merger to Create Premier Global Airline

Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines announced on September 25 that their respective stockholders have overwhelmingly approved the pending merger between the two companies. Delta stockholders approved the issuance of 1.25 shares of Delta common stock for each outstanding share of Northwest stock to be distributed upon closing of the merger, expected later this year. The proposal was approved by approximately 99 percent of the votes cast by Delta stockholders. More than 98 percent of the votes cast by Northwest stockholders were voted in favor of the merger.

Delta in April announced that it is combining with Northwest in an all-stock transaction to create a premier global airline that will be unmatched in the scope and level of services it offers customers. The new company will be called Delta and will be headquartered in Atlanta. The combined company and its regional partners will provide customers access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. Together, Delta and Northwest will have more than $35 billion in aggregate annual revenues, operate a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft, employ approximately 75,000 people worldwide, and have one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry. The merger is subject to the approval of the U.S. Department of Justice, which is expected by the end of the year. Top

 

15.09.2008  
Delta-Northwest Merger Receives Unconditional Clearance from the European Commission

Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines received unconditional clearance from the European Commission on the airlines’ proposed merger. The Commission noted its investigation found the proposed transaction would not impede effective competition in Europe or the trans-Atlantic.

“Approval from the European Commission for the merger is another important step toward completing our pro-competitive merger with Northwest,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. “The Delta-Northwest merger will combine two complementary networks to offer customers greater access to destinations across the globe. We continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice and remain confident that we will be able to finalize the merger by the end of the year.”

Delta in April announced that it is combining with Northwest in an all-stock transaction to create America’s premier global airline. The new company will be called Delta and will be headquartered in Atlanta. Combined, the company and its regional partners will provide customers access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. Together, Delta and Northwest will have one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry and be better positioned for long-term success through economic cycles. The merger is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest stockholders and the U.S. Department of Justice, which are targeted for completion later this year. Top

 

25.04.2008  
Delta Launches First Trans-Atlantic Flight from Salt Lake City to Paris

Delta Air Lines started a nonstop service between Salt Lake City International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport on June 2, 2008. The flights, operating as part of Delta’s joint venture with SkyTeam partner Air France, will be the first trans-Atlantic service ever offered by any airline from Salt Lake City and will be the only nonstop service operated by a U.S. carrier between the Western United States and Paris. Delta will operate daily service with a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft seating up to 216 passengers.

Additionally, customers flying in the business cabin on Delta’s new flights between Salt Lake City and Paris will enjoy enhanced service including new seats with improved cushioning and the same 60 inches of legroom and wide-angle recline that have made BusinessElite® a customer favorite. Customers will experience new innovative food offerings designed by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, original wine selections by Andrea Robinson, exclusively designed signature cocktails by nightlife proprietor Rande Gerber and industry-leading, on-demand, personal in-seat entertainment boasting more than 20 first-run and popular classic movies, a variety of TV programs, a broad range of music, and a suite of 12 video games. Delta recently added full-size pillows, duvets and modern and stylish dinnerware to its onboard offerings.

 

12.03.2008  
Scandinavian Airlines to launch San Francisco route

SAS Scandinavian Airlines is planning to commence its Copenhagen - San Francisco route during spring next year. It will be SAS' fifth new intercontinental route within a two-year period, including the new Copenhagen - Delhi route that will launch on October 27.

"This new route shows our commitment to provide our customers with more direct intercontinental links to and from Northern Europe," says Lars Sandahl Sørensen, Chief Executive Officer, SAS International. "In the last year we have launched Stockholm - Beijing, Stockholm - Bangkok and Copenhagen - Dubai, while we will also commence flights between Copenhagen and Delhi later this year."

"San Francisco becomes our fifth US destination and the second on the West Coast after Seattle," adds Sandahl Sørensen. "For years we have offered our customers flights to San Francisco via our gateways of Seattle and Chicago, so we are particularly excited about offering a direct link between San Francisco and Northern Europe."

The Copenhagen - San Francisco route will be served by an Airbus A340-300 with a three class configuration of Business, Economy Extra and Economy. SAS will be one of very few airlines to offer a premium Economy class between Europe and San Francisco. SAS' Economy Extra class, which features a number of Business class benefits, was also upgraded last month and now includes dedicated cabin crew, an improved meal service and better comfort onboard. Top

 

17.04.2008  
Delta and Northwest merge

Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines announced an agreement in which the two carriers will combine in an all-stock transaction with a combined enterprise value of $17.7 billion, creating America’s premier global airline. The new airline, which will be called Delta, will provide employees with greater job security, an equity stake in the combined airline and a more stable platform for future growth in the face of significant economic pressures from rising fuel costs and intense competition.

Delta CEO Richard Anderson will be CEO of the combined company. Delta Chairman of the Board Daniel Carp will become chairman of the new Board of Directors and Northwest chairman Roy Bostock will become vice chairman. Ed Bastian will be president and CFO.

Delta will have executive offices in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Amsterdam, Paris and Tokyo. The company’s world headquarters will be in Atlanta. Delta is committed to retaining significant jobs, operations and facilities in Minnesota.

Combined, the company and its regional partners will provide access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. Delta and Northwest will have more than $35 billion in aggregate annual revenues, operate a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft and employ approximately 75,000 people worldwide.

The merger is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest shareholders and regulatory approvals. It is expected that the regulatory review period will be completed later this year.

 

12.03.2008  
Scandinavian Airlines to launch San Francisco route

SAS Scandinavian Airlines is planning to commence its Copenhagen - San Francisco route during spring next year. It will be SAS' fifth new intercontinental route within a two-year period, including the new Copenhagen - Delhi route that will launch on October 27.

"This new route shows our commitment to provide our customers with more direct intercontinental links to and from Northern Europe," says Lars Sandahl Sørensen, Chief Executive Officer, SAS International. "In the last year we have launched Stockholm - Beijing, Stockholm - Bangkok and Copenhagen - Dubai, while we will also commence flights between Copenhagen and Delhi later this year."

"San Francisco becomes our fifth US destination and the second on the West Coast after Seattle," adds Sandahl Sørensen. "For years we have offered our customers flights to San Francisco via our gateways of Seattle and Chicago, so we are particularly excited about offering a direct link between San Francisco and Northern Europe."

The Copenhagen - San Francisco route will be served by an Airbus A340-300 with a three class configuration of Business, Economy Extra and Economy. SAS will be one of very few airlines to offer a premium Economy class between Europe and San Francisco. SAS' Economy Extra class, which features a number of Business class benefits, was also upgraded last month and now includes dedicated cabin crew, an improved meal service and better comfort onboard. Top

 

05.03.2008  
Delta Air Lines First U.S. Carrier to Take Delivery of Boeing 777-200LR

Delta Air Lines takes another step forward in its strategy to become customers’ global airline of choice with delivery of the first of eight Boeing 777-200LR Longer Range jets scheduled to enter its fleet by early 2009. By adding the world’s longest range commercial jetliner to its fleet, Delta bolsters its ability to connect customers and cargo between virtually any two cities around the globe, nonstop. The aircraft will enter scheduled service March 8 flying between Atlanta and Los Angeles and will fly on March 9 from Atlanta to Tokyo.

The new 777-200LR is the flagship aircraft for Delta’s new global product, including fully horizontal personal sleeper suites in BusinessElite®, next-generation, more comfortable seats in coach, and Delta’s on-demand entertainment system on larger screens at every seat.

BusinessElite customers will enjoy new features, including:

  • Reclining seats that adjust to multiple comfortable positions, including a completely flat 6-foot 3-inch bed;
  • Privacy screens incorporating pull-out meal table, fold-out 10.6-inch personal video screen, integrated footrest and personal stowage compartment for bags, shoes or blankets;
  • Immediate access to the aisle so customers do not have to disturb another passenger when exiting their seat;
  • USB ports offering charging ability for personal MP3 players.

Delta plans to offer sleeper suites with these amenities on its entire 777 fleet by 2010. Top

 

07.02.2008  
Scandinavian Airlines upgrades Economy Extra on long-haul routes

SAS Scandinavian Airlines has upgraded its premium economy class, Economy Extra, on its long-haul route network. The service class, which is aimed at both business travelers and discerning leisure travelers, now has dedicated crew, an improved meal service and an enhanced attention to detail.

"Constant improvement is important in our ambition to keep Economy Extra at the leading edge of the airline industry," says Gunilla Ait El Mekki, Director Product Concepts, SAS International. "We are continuously reviewing our product offerings and we felt it was natural to upgrade certain in-flight aspects. We have focused both on the quantity and quality of food, as well as how we present it."

"Economy Extra is a unique selling point for SAS, and is a service class that attracts both business travelers and leisure travelers wanting an alternative to Economy," says Lars Sandahl Sørensen, Chief Executive Officer, SAS International. "Economy Extra offers our customers a wide range of superior benefits, such as Business class check-in; bigger, wider and more comfortable seats; audio/video-on-demand; and a more attentive service. It is therefore key for us to continuously review our product offering to ensure it is a class of its own."

The recent Economy Extra upgrade, which was introduced 1 February, 2008, includes improved quality of ingredients and the introduction of new starters and desserts. Passengers now receive a larger meal tray, with an Orrefors wineglass, and a larger second meal service.

Scandinavian Airlines introduced Economy Extra in 2002 on all long-haul routes. Compared to Economy class, Economy Extra passengers enjoy wider (47cm/18"), more comfortable seats with almost a metre (38") of legroom in a separate cabin. Customers can check in at Business class counters and are eligible for Fast Track security (where available), as well as priority boarding. Passengers are also entitled to greater baggage allowance, both for check-in and an additional piece of hand luggage to take onboard.

Onboard, Economy Extra passengers receive a pre-departure drink; a cocktail and snack; a three-course dinner and coffee/tea with liqueurs; drinks, fruit and cold snacks between meals; and a meal prior to landing. All Economy Extra passengers also receive a comfort kit and a personal water bottle. Top

 

18.01.2008  
Delta and Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson Take Wine and Travel to New Altitudes in 2008

As Delta continues reinventing the travel experience for its customers, master sommelier, TV host and author Andrea Robinson is redesigning the airline’s wine list to offer globe-trotting customers superior selections at 30,000 feet. Robinson’s selections make their debut in BusinessElite®, Delta’s international business class product beginning in February, and will expand to international coach and domestic first and coach class later in the year. The new wine choices will complement Delta's upscale BusinessElite culinary experience, including a personalized five-course meal with contemporary offerings by Michelle Bernstein, a prominent chef of the Mediterranean-style, highly acclaimed bistro, Michy’s in Miami.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to treat wine connoisseurs or those who are beginning to develop their own wine tastes with as unique and exciting a wine experience as the destination itself,” said Robinson. “Since wines can taste different in flight, I’ve painstakingly chosen wines with enough flavor intensity to shine – even at 30,000 feet.” Beginning this spring, Robinson will host “wine culture” seminars with thousands of Delta flight attendants that will enhance the personalized service they provide to Delta customers. The seminars will focus on how to recommend wines that pair best with certain entrees, how to present a bottle, and how to properly fill a wine glass. Top