SWISS struggles on, but without the comfort of knowing that it is to join the oneworld alliance. The American Airlines and British Airways led consortium has released the former Swissair from its commitments although all code-shares and bilateral relationships between Swiss and the other existing individual oneworld partners will remain in place. The Zurich-based airlines ”soft” financial position is a clear reason behind the oneworld statement "we have always been clear that oneworld will only recruit airlines where they add value both to our customers and to our existing partners. Without the full implementation of its bilateral agreement with British Airways, Swiss would substantially reduce the value BA derives from oneworld”, said oneworld managing partner John McCulloch. ”Swiss has indicated that oneworld is still its preferred alliance and that it hopes to be in a position to seek membership again in the future, which we would welcome under terms suitable for all”. Swiss has also ducked out of its commercial arrangement with BA although the Geneva codeshare will continue for three years and the slot swop will remain in place.
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