I have to truly admit that I would be much happier to see KLM join than this dog of an airline. And frankly, I really just don't understand why Oneworld needs another European carrier. Add an eastern european carrier like Malev if the need to "expand" european coverage is that crucial. BA has reason to be worried and I hope they continue to block swiss.

I would like to see Lan Chile continue to expand all over the Carribean and South America, I would like to see a middle eastern airline considered like Qatar or Gulf Air, I would like to see JAL join eventually, and I would like to see another African carrier. Unfortunately, I can't see SAA ever joining unless they pay BA a bucketload of cash. At least KLM and Swiss are not in direct competition, but SAA is in direct competition with most of Comair's routes.

Complements of Dow Jones:
"In the first half of 2003, Swiss burned up CHF445 million in cash, leaving its liquidity base at CHF811 million, down from CHF1.25 billion at the end of 2002"

"Swiss International Air Lines is undertaking a major overhaul that includes 3000 job cuts and the grounding of more than 30 airplanes. The revamp is aimed at turning the company around. Swiss posted a first-half net loss of CHF333 million."

I know that a lot of people on this board want Swiss to join because they like the airline's comfort and service, but I see nothing positive coming out of their joining.

[This message has been edited by Darren (edited 08-24-2003).]