WHAT happens when two great brands, with their respective outstanding services, join hands to go together, nay fly together? It is an experience that is one of a kind. Come, see and experience one of the great collaborations in the world of airlines — Lufthansa and SWISS. The two carriers decided to integrate their services some three years ago and since then it has become synonymous with a dream flight.
Speaking on the occasion of German National Day and also welcoming Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister and vice-chancellor, Rolf Koller, general manager for Lufthansa-SWISS, Saudi Arabia, said: “The collaboration has enabled passengers from the Kingdom and Bahrain to avail the unique opportunity to benefit from this integration.”
“The passengers have now more flight options: Outbound via Frankfurt, inbound via Zurich and vice versa, as well as joint ground services in Jeddah and Riyadh, better connections, a shared frequent flyer program and international lounge access,” explained Koller, while speaking to Arab News. Germany is fast becoming one of the top European destinations for visitors, tourists as well as businessmen, from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.
Koller said, “In Aug. 2008, Lufthansa and the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) launched a joint competition for travel trade across the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.” The competition will further boost passenger volumes to Germany. Business and leisure travelers can take advantage of the wide and diverse network of routes from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to several cities within Germany.
“Indeed, traveling to or connecting via Frankfurt or Zurich has never been so convenient with the joint Lufthansa-SWISS operations,” said Koller. Passengers traveling on either airline from Saudi Arabia can benefit from a combined cost structure. Traveling by air has never been the same since the two have joined. Currently, there are attractive price offers in the market valid for flights from all four destinations served — Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Bahrain — to Europe and the US.
He said the “autumn special” fares could be booked online at www.lufthansa.com as well as at www.swiss.com. Lufthansa-SWISS were the only European carriers, which jointly connected all the major gateways in Saudi Arabia — Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam — and neighboring Bahrain with their hubs in Frankfurt and Zurich with 21 frequencies per week. All flights operate with a three-class onboard service.
Lufthansa connects all the major gateways in the Gulf and Middle East to its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich and onward to 194 destinations in 79 countries. The airline flies from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh to Frankfurt three times a week and four times a week from Bahrain to Frankfurt. SWISS operates four weekly direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah and daily flights from Dubai to Zurich, daily flights from Muscat and Cairo. Overall, SWISS offers a comprehensive network of 76 destinations in 42 countries, 48 of which are in Europe and 28 are intercontinental.
Koller said, Lufthansa offers its first and business class commuters an exclusive product catering to the needs of its premium passengers. The passengers have comfortable sleeper seats, where relaxing is in its tranquil height. Menus have been designed by celebrated star chefs, besides a wide array of in-flight entertainment being on offer. “In brief, what begins on the ground continues on air: It lifts passengers from the ground to an air of dreams,” he added.
Lufthansa also offers private jet facility to passengers, a unique offer connecting to more than 1,000 destinations in Europe.
SWISS’ luxury first class cabin offers premium passengers maximum comfort and privacy in the most tranquil setting. The spacious armchairs accentuate comfort and functionality and can be converted into a lie-flat bed at the touch of a button. Business Class is ideal for those who want to relax, work, dine or sleep and still be fresh in the meeting room.
“Swissness and stylish simplicity are the foundations of SWISS economy class,” said Koller, a travel industry veteran. Comfort is achieved with the seat’s lumbar support and adjustable head rest. With more personal space and a generous seat pitch of 32-33 inches, SWISS economy is a class of its own. SWISS and Lufthansa airlines are also members of the Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline network. As a customer of both airlines, passengers can enjoy access to a vast network of flights, routes and coordinated connections, as well as access to airport lounges worldwide.
