Swissair and Sabena plan to merge their sales, marketing, product management and network activities into a single organisation which may eventually take over the commercial operations of all Qualiflyer Group carriers.
"Project diamond", as it is known, involves setting up a central commercial unit called Airline Management Company (AMC), based in Zurich but carrying out some of its operations in Brussels.
In a letter to employees, the Swiss and Belgian flag carriers say they will be "looking to divide our functions between Zurich and Brussels as evenly as possible", while emphasising that the two will "continue to operate as independent business entities". Swissair owns 49.5% of Sabena.
Working groups will analyse the organisational structure and finances of the two airlines, and findings will be reported in time for a decision in June.
Swissair parent SAirGroup confirms that AMC will eventually take over the running of the commercial departments of all the Qualiflyer Group carriers, avoiding the need for decisions to be approved by their respective boards. Other Qualiflyer airlines include Austrian Airlines and TAP Air Portugal .
Source: Flight International
