Switzerland News Roundup for Today: Latest Developments on Friday's Headlines
In the Swiss skies, changes are afoot. Swiss International Air Lines has implemented a series of measures to address the challenges of maintaining better punctuality during the peak summer season, while EasyJet, a low-cost airline operating in Switzerland, has announced the launch of new routes from the country.
Swiss International Air Lines is taking proactive steps to ensure efficiency. They are strategically deploying reserve aircraft, engaging in wet-lease deals, collaborating with ground handlers, and continuously assessing and adjusting their operations. These measures aim to stabilize operations and improve punctuality, despite the typical challenges that arise during the summer season. However, the airline anticipates that punctuality may not reach the overall annual target of 70% during the peak summer months.
One of the significant improvements Swiss has made is the strategic deployment of reserve aircraft. This ensures that flights are operated efficiently, even when faced with unexpected issues or delays. They are also entering into wet-lease deals, which involve leasing aircraft along with their crew, to bolster operational capacity and reduce reliance on third-party services during peak periods.
Collaboration with ground handlers has also shown positive results, with an improvement in punctuality in the first half of the year. A team of 10 managers has been tasked with optimizing critical steps between aircraft arrival and departure. The airline has also hired new ground crews to support these efforts.
Meanwhile, EasyJet is expanding its reach from Switzerland. The airline will launch two non-stop weekly flights from Geneva to Rennes, starting October 31st. EasyJet's new flight from Zurich to Pristina will operate daily, starting October 26th. In addition, EasyJet has announced the launch of new routes from Switzerland to Pristina and Tangier. The new EasyJet flights from Basel to Tangier, Morocco, will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays, starting November 11th.
It's important to note that these new routes are subject to regulatory approvals. In the canton of Valais, foreigners and out-of-canton hunters can now shoot ibex for a fee of 25,000 francs, but only a limited number of protected ibex species can be shot by hunters, and only those with a hunting license and in the presence of a gamekeeper can do so.
Two-thirds of delays experienced by EasyJet are due to external factors such as airspace congestion, strikes in other countries, or bad weather. Despite these challenges, EasyJet is committed to providing efficient and affordable travel options for its passengers. According to a survey, 82% of Swiss respondents keep part of their wealth in private accounts, indicating a preference for personal control of their finances.
As the summer season approaches, travellers can look forward to improved punctuality from Swiss International Air Lines and exciting new travel options from EasyJet.
Swiss International Air Lines' strategic deployment of reserve aircraft and involvement in wet-lease deals signify a shift towards enhancements in both business efficiency and lifestyle, as the airline strives to offer a more punctual service. On the other hand, EasyJet's expansion by launching new routes from Switzerland, such as those to Rennes, Pristina, Tangier, and Basel, not only broadens the travel options for consumers but also presents a promising future for the airline's business growth.
