SkyTeam Alliance Expands through Associate Membership

Executives from the airline alliance SkyTeam, met in London recently where they announced plans to introduce an associate airline program that will expand customer benefits to additional regions of the world. The plan calls for opening associate SkyTeam membership to carriers that meet specific operational and service standards. The result will be an extension of the alliance’s network.

The plan could be ready for launch by late spring, with first associate members joining in 2004. Carriers accepted for associate membership would be allowed to use the SkyTeam brand in their geographic region without the full cost of SkyTeam membership. The SkyTeam Steering Committee is in the process of developing full details of associate membership. SkyTeam members include AeroMexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air.

“We are excited that this concept will open additional travel opportunities for our present and potential customers around the world,” Dominique Patry, Vice President, International Affairs and Alliances for Air France said on behalf of the SkyTeam Steering Committee.

“The Associate concept would be open to certain carriers which complement SkyTeam in focused markets and meet our quality and service requirements.”