The cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. has announced the launch of direct flights between Zurich and Lyon, effective March 29, 2009. The carrier will operate four flights a day with Avro RJ100 equipment which, combined with the existing road feeder service connection, increases cargo capacity to and from the region to 30 tons per week.'

As the capital of the Rh'ne-Alpes region, Lyon is an economic powerhouse of European stature and France's second-largest business centre after Paris. The Lyon region has a long tradition of economic and technological initiative. Though all industries are represented, special mention should be made of those areas in which Lyon enjoys an international reputation: engineering, silk and textiles, wine and food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biotech, software. The region is home to the branch operations of various Swiss companies, too.

The new route further enhances Swiss WorldCargo's service product to and from France. Lyon joins Paris and Nice to become SWISS's third French destination. Eric Schmid, Regional Manager Western Europe, Swiss WorldCargo, commented: "These new services demonstrate our commitment to providing customers with access to our strategic global markets and ensure swift and efficient delivery of general cargo and all our range of special products."

The new flights will offer customers from the Lyon area convenient connections in Zurich with SWISS's other European services and its intercontinental network.