P.M. BRIEFING : Delta, Swissair Form Partnership

ZURICH, Switzerland —  Delta Air Lines and Swissair today announced the formation of a partnership to ensure they remain competitive in the travel market of the future.

The two airlines said they will coordinate flight schedules to offer passengers fast connections on routes to and from North America. They will also share reservation systems and airport facilities and advertise their services jointly.

Announcing the cooperation agreement at a news conference, Swissair Chairman Armin Baltensweiler called Atlanta-based Delta the ideal partner, with a similar business philosophy and a route network that complemented Swissair’s. “We are not looking for a merger of our companies,” Baltensweiler said. “We intend to proceed pragmatically, one small step at a time.”