WTM Preview SWISS looks for luxury in the clouds November 2003 487 Share Switzerand features many scenic locales. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) offers some of the world’s most impressive travel solutions. For those seeking quality, hospitality, service, efficiency and reliability, look no further than SWISS. Switzerland’s flagship carrier has an intimate understanding of travellers needs across the travel spectrum, especially on long haul routes, where the airline offers the luxury and exclusivity of SWISS First, the comfort and calm of SWISS Business, and the friendly service of SWISS Economy. In SWISS First Class, the accent is firmly on providing passengers with maximum comfort and privacy. The generous 203 cm x 60 cm flat beds seats provide a flexible, spacious table for work or dining. Every seat comes with an ottoman for foot support, which can be utilised as a seat for other passengers, enabling work or meals to be shared. Communication facilities comprise laptop power connection and SMS messaging.In Business Class, passengers will enjoy the ideal combination of quality, innovation, efficiency and care - in other words quintessential Swissness. The Business class cabin offer seats arranged in a two-two-two configuration, providing wider seats and additional leg space of 55 inches. A business trip often means intense preparation followed by a hectic series of meetings. The SWISS onboard experience is the opposite - a quiet time to rest and restore energy.SWISS offers a wide selection of entertainment and information options on long-haul flights. The onboard viewing and listening programme is built around personal choice. Each seat is fitted with a personal screen in the seat back. An added benefit for First class passengers is the use of personal DVD players, complete with a wide range of movie choices.When it comes to food and beverage, SWISS premium classes has something for every palate. The cuisine selection has been created with exclusivity in mind, with an emphasis on personal taste, taking inspiration from the multinational cuisine of Switzerland. SWISS places great importance on individual needs, offering an array of special meals for those with particular dietary preferences. SWISS has now joined the one world alliance as a member of the global group of leading airline carriers. SWISS customers will benefit from this partnering development in the form of a substantially expanded range of services. Now passengers flying SWISS will also enjoy the benefits of the frequent flyer programmes of all the one world partners and of better connections and easier transfer service. They will also enjoy access to the 380 airport lounges on all six continents provided by one world’s members.It is not just the loyal customers but also the travel trade industry that recognise Swiss’ quality product offering and high standards of service. Switzerland’s national carrier was named Best Airline to North & South America by Germany’s Business Traveller magazine in February; and Skytrax, the reputed air transport market research institute, awarded SWISS its Best Cabin Staff in Europe distinction in June. SWISS has earned the coveted distinction of being Europe’s Leading Airline in the 2003 World Travel Awards. These are presented each year in eight geographical categories (Africa, Asia/Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America) and are based on the votes of several hundred IATA travel agencies in over 200 countries. To celebrate the coming winter season, Swiss International Air Lines, in partnership with Switzerland Tourism, the country’s official tourist authority, have launched Swiss Experience Winter. The Swiss Experience winter brochure offers regional travellers the chance to experience the true splendour and hospitality of Switzerland, with packages to suit every budget. SWISS offers one of the earliest arrival times into Switzerland, with onward connections to major European cities.