Helvetic launches London service

Swiss budget airlineHelvetic is now serving London, following Easyjet's decision to abandon its Zurich services.
Initially, Helvetic is flying daily from Gatwick with its 100-seater F-100 twin jets. This may call for a link between Stansted and Zurich should Gatwick prove successful. Unlike Easyjet's flexible prices, you pay just one rate with Helvetic:E264 (£190) return.
Helvetic's CEO, Thomas Frischknecht, defends his high price: "We're not offering a cheap product, we're offering a quality product. There are times when we will be more expensive than our rivals [BA and Swiss]; on the other hand our fares work out cheaper for passengers booking closer to departure. We also have a simple loyalty scheme. For every 10 flights booked you get another free. This benefits families, companies and all regular travellers because the free flight is transferable."
Helvetic claims that 92% of its flights run within 15 minutes of schedule. Leg room is 33/34 inches and configuration is 2-3.