Swiss International Air Lines, Switzerland’s national carrier, is offering economy class passengers a scheme to upgrade to business class for a reduced premium.

Under the scheme, passengers who book a SWISS flight on economy class can upgrade for either one way or return trip to business class for a fraction of a cost. A passenger from Dubai or Muscat travelling to Switzerland and on other destinations to Europe, for example, will just add Dh1,750 ($476) per flight leg.

Passengers can avail of the upgrade from now until end of August 2009 and terms and conditions apply.

“For most travellers, flying on business class is a major budget consideration but at SWISS, we have made this more affordable for our passengers,” said Martin Massüger, Director, head of sales Middle East, Africa, Pakistan and Iran for SWISS.

“The comfort of our new business class, the centrepiece of the new A330-300, can now be experienced by passengers who will avail of our upgrade offer,” he added.

On SWISS business class, passengers get to enjoy the new business class seat which provides optimum travel comfort.  The new business class seat is fitted with a state-of-the-art air cushion for adjustable comfort in all positions.

Passengers will have more personal space and enjoy sleeping with the 2-meter (79") fully horizontal lie-flat seat-a true “bed above the clouds” which is also equipped with a massage function.

In-flight entertainment has been improved to carry larger screens in 16:9 format and plugs for USB and iPod.  Seating arrangements for the business class assures ultimate personal space and privacy.

The palette is equally pampered in the new business class as passengers are treated with the “Taste of Switzerland” gourmet dishes from the Canton of Schwyz prepared by Chef Daniel Jann.

This summer, SWISS operates non-stop daily flights from Dubai to Zurich, daily flights from Muscat, Oman, five weekly flights from Cairo and four weekly flights from Riyadh and Jeddah.

Overall, SWISS offers a comprehensive network of 90 destinations in 42 countries. – TradeArabia News Service