Sion-London flight to target winter tourists

Another civilian airline had previously offered winter service between London and Sion, but it closed down in 2012. Keystone

Swiss International Airlines plans to provide a regular service between Sion, southwest Switzerland, and London, if a series of test flights beginning early next year prove successful.

An Embraer 190 aircraft, which can transport 100 people, will be used for the journey between the British capital and Sion, canton Valais, each Saturday in February 2017.

“It gives us visibility and credibility that a large airline like Swiss is interested in us,” said director of Sion airport Aline Bovier-Gantzer on Friday.

The initiative for the new flight is due to a collaboration with the Swiss tourism industry: Valais is already a favourite destination of British tourists during the winter months thanks to its proximity to some of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts.

With its location farther inland than Geneva airport, Sion airport offers tourists coming from the west better access to the slopes of Verbier, Zermatt and St Moritz.

Sion airport is also looking to boost its civilian offer, since the air force has announced its withdrawal from the site next year.