Recreated Swissair yet to guarantee tickets

SWISSAIR is likely to recreate itself on October 28 but the question whether pre-booked tickets on the old Swissair will be valid on the network of the new company is being discussed, according to latest reports. Sabena is continuing to fly and has been granted bankruptcy protection from creditors until at least November 30. The Belgian national carrier is awaiting European Commission approval of a US$13b (about R117b) loan from the Belgian government to temporarily sustain the carrier until its can restructure and find more financing. The airline is apparently negotiating with potential new partners. There have been reports that Virgin Express is interested in acquiring some of Sabena's assets. (Mark Gray)