The new points will bring the SWISS Geneva-based network to 39 non-stop destinations, in comparison to 12 only two years ago.

The new routes include Florence four-times weekly, and Sarajevo, Valencia and Skopje twice weekly, all of which are to be served year-round.

Palermo, Calvi, Thessaloniki and Zakynthos will receive new seasonal service during the summer months.

“These new routes are further confirmation of our consistent investment in Switzerland’s francophone region,” said Lorenzo Stoll, SWISS’s Head of Western Switzerland.

“Our expanded range of services to sunshine destinations is a direct response to our customers’ needs and expectations.”

Lorenzo Stoll
SWISS’s Head of Western Switzerland

The new routes are a continuation of SWISS’ efforts to develop its “Next-Generation Airline of Switzerland” strategy. The announcement comes after the airline unveiled its new 16-times-weekly Geneva – Lugano route last month.

SWISS has more than tripled its range of non-stop air services over the past two years for inhabitants of Western Switzerland and adjacent parts of France and for the local business and tourism sectors.

The airline has reported a 3.2% increase in transported passengers in October, in comparison to the same month last year. The higher traffic volume was also recorded with 1% fewer flights compared to the prior-year period.

Robert Deillon, Director of Geneva Airport said: “SWISS’s actions here are very good news for us. These new destinations include a prudent expansion of Geneva’s network in the Balkans, which are not particularly well served at present. And the new routes to Greece and Italy are a clear response to a demand from tourist travellers for two still-vital markets.”

The airline has also announced its plans to serve Milan’s more central Linate Airport from Zurich starting December 19, 2014. SWISS will continue to operate its current five daily service between Zurich and Milan Malpensa Airport.

The new Linate Airport service will initially be operated once daily with Avro RJ100 equipment, during the winter 2014/15 timetable period.

Linate is Milan’s second largest airport and the third biggest in Italy, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers.