Belair, a Swiss charter airline founded in 2001, operated under the Air Berlin group before ceasing operations in 2017. Based in Zurich, Belair specialized in leisure travel, offering seasonal flights to popular holiday destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The airline was known for its distinctive red and white livery, reflecting Swiss colors, and focused on providing a pleasant travel experience for vacationers. Despite its relatively short operational period, Belair played a significant role in connecting Swiss travelers to sunny holiday spots, maintaining a reputation for reliable and friendly service.
Services
- In-flight Entertainment : Belair offered a selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games to keep passengers entertained during their flights.
- Comfortable Seating : The airline provided comfortable seating with adjustable headrests and ample legroom to ensure a pleasant journey.
- In-flight Meals : Passengers could enjoy a variety of meals and snacks, including vegetarian options, prepared with high-quality ingredients.
- Duty-Free Shopping : Belair offered an on-board duty-free shop with a selection of perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, and other travel retail items.
- Friendly Cabin Crew : The airline was known for its friendly and attentive cabin crew who ensured passengers' needs were met throughout the flight.
Expriences
- Christoph Waltz : The Austrian actor praised Belair for its exceptional service and comfortable seating during his flight to Zurich.
- Roger Federer : The Swiss tennis star appreciated Belair’s punctuality and in-flight comfort on his trip to a Mediterranean holiday destination.
- Shania Twain : The singer-songwriter enjoyed the friendly cabin crew and in-flight entertainment during her flight to a European tour destination.
Interesting Facts
- Swiss Heritage : Belair’s livery featured red and white colors, reflecting its Swiss heritage.
- Holiday Focus : The airline specialized in charter flights to popular holiday destinations.
- Air Berlin Group : Belair was a part of the Air Berlin group until its operations ceased.
- Seasonal Routes : It operated mainly seasonal routes to meet holiday travel demand.
- Ceased Operations : Belair ceased operations in October 2017, after Air Berlin filed for bankruptcy.
Frequent Flyers
- Roger Federer : Regularly used Belair for his personal holidays, enjoying their punctual and comfortable service.
- Tina Turner : Preferred Belair for trips to her residence in Switzerland, praising their friendly staff.
- Christoph Waltz : Frequently chose Belair for its reliable service when traveling between film locations.
- Urs Bühler : Member of the classical crossover group Il Divo, appreciated Belair's efficient and comfortable flights.
- Martina Hingis : Former tennis player who traveled with Belair for its excellent service and convenience.
Myths
- Exclusive Business Class: Belair only offered business class seating.
- Owned by Swiss Air :Belair was mistakenly believed to be owned by Swiss Air.
Offbeat Destinations
- Kos, Greece : An idyllic island known for its ancient ruins and beautiful beaches.
- Samos, Greece : Offers picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and quaint villages.
- Olbia, Italy : Gateway to the Costa Smeralda, famous for its stunning coastline.
- Dalaman, Turkey : Known for its scenic coastlines and historical sites.
- La Palma, Spain : Features volcanic landscapes and lush forests.
- Menorca, Spain : Offers serene beaches and charming historic towns.
- Zakynthos, Greece : Famous for the Navagio beach and turquoise waters.
- Thessaloniki, Greece : Rich in history and vibrant culture.
- Lamezia Terme, Italy : Known for its beautiful coastline and thermal springs.
- Paphos, Cyprus : A city with ancient ruins and beautiful beaches.
Useful Resources
Awards
Belair, during its operational years, did not receive notable industry awards. The airline operated as a charter airline focusing on leisure travel under the Air Berlin group. Unlike larger, full-service airlines, charter airlines like Belair often don't participate as prominently in industry awards due to their niche market and operational focus.