SWISS has decided to suspend its scheduled services to Beijing in view of the continuing SARS crisis. ÊThe action, which is being taken for economic reasons, applies to all SWISS flights to and from Beijing between May 29 and August 15, 2003.

Services to Beijing were reduced from five to three weekly flights in mid-April in response to the outbreak of SARS and the corresponding decline in demand. ÊBut seat load factors on these flights have been below 20 per cent for the last two weeks; and advance bookings offer little prospect of recovery in the short-term future. ÊÊÊÊÊ

Scheduled service to Beijing will thus be suspended on May 29, and the suspension will remain in force until August 15, 2003. ÊSWISS is currently assessing suitable alternative arrangements with other air carriers.
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