SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES is forming a partnership with British Airways and will become the ninth member of the oneworld global airline alliance.
The SWISS board rejected a deal from Germany's Lufthansa, a member of the rival Star Alliance, in favour of the BA tie-up which will allow it to retain more of its independence.
The agreement will give British Airways access to eight of SWISS's slots at Heathrow Airport, causing speculation regarding more transfers of routes from Gatwick.
At London City Zurich will now follow Geneva as a BA route, but who the operator will be remains unclear. The UK airline will provide CHF50m (USD37m) of financial backing to its new partner.
The two airlines are also to enter into extensive code-sharing arrangements on routes between the UK and Switzerland, sharing airport lounge facilities and frequent flyer programmes.
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