SkyTeam Flying High With New Members

SkyTeam, the second largest global alliance, with 19 airlines on board, offers approximately 14,500+ daily flights to 1036+ destinations in 175+ countries to explore. Whether making a personal journey or doing global business, you’ll enjoy more flexibility, convenience and choices along your journey with SkyTeam. SkyTeam also has the only cargo alliance in the world, SkyTeam Cargo.

SkyTeam was established in June 2000 with the participation of four airlines: Aeroméxico, Delta Air Lines, Air France and Korean Air. This year its membership increased to 19. Current members are: , Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, GARUDA INDONESIA, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines.

SkyTeam offers its 730 million annual passengers a worldwide network of flights covering 1036 destinations. The alliance strives to provide its customers with seamless connections and a hassle-free travel experience before, during, between and after their flights. Eligible customers have access to more than 750 lounges at airports worldwide to provide special services to its customers.

In August 2002, the alliance launched the SkyTeam Europe Pass specifically geared to accommodate leisure travelers visiting European destinations. This customizable ticketing option brings a new level of convenience to SkyTeam passengers visiting multiple destinations within the continent. The SkyTeam Europe Pass provides ease and speed with air travel, discounted prices and the ability to earn additional frequent flyer miles on each leg they fly.. In July 2004 SkyTeam announced the America Pass and added the Asia Pass to its portfolio in October 2005.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between nine SkyTeam members and the British Airport Authority in June 2006 to establish joint facilities at Terminal-4 of Heathrow Airport in London. In September 2008, the China Pass was launched. In June 2009, SkyTeam's benefits terminal was opened at Heathrow while in September of the same year the alliance announced the Mexico Pass. In October 2009 joint facilities for the alliance were opened at Terminal-4 of Heathrow Airport.

Cost Savings

Members also enjoy cost-savings from joint synergies through co-locations, which is defined as a shared space or terminal between three or more member airlines. Through co-locations, member airlines realize significant cost savings through several facets such as maximization of airport facility utilization, including: Co-location of check-in areas and combining personnel for efficiencies and reduction of ground handling costs and shared staff.

SkyTeam developed a new level of co-location at London Heathrow's Terminal 4, the benefits airport in which all co-located SkyTeam members share kiosks, allowing alliance passengers to access travel reservations with any of the SkyTeam carriers. The greater number and common-use feature of the kiosks help improve passenger flow through the terminal, reduce congestion and reduce operating costs for member airlines. Heathrow Terminal 4 also features the benefits ever SkyTeam co-branded lounge.

All SkyTeam co-located members share airport services, including check-in desks, self-service kiosks and bag drop off locations through SkyTeam's benefits exclusive premium check-in area. A key SkyTeam objective is providing quality service and high-end comforts that customers expect - and this spacious facility has been designed to exceed those expectations with its luxury amenities and enhanced passenger benefits. 

Joint Benefits

Members of SkyTeam benefit from the alliance structure by gaining greater brand recognition and exposure, improving market positioning, increasing reach to new destinations, enhancing customer service and cost-savings and knowledge-sharing. Their brand is extended to key regions of the world, elevating the alliance's global presence and strengthening its brand recognition. Through collaboration, member airlines can benefit from knowledge- sharing among airlines and the sharing of best practices, particularly those related to safety, customer service and operational efficiencies. 

Once a carrier joins the alliance, the airline can increase its network offerings through alliance partnerships, such as code-share agreements and the ability to offer additional destinations service by other SkyTeam members. In turn, as a result of new destinations served and new routes offered, the market position of the individual carrier increases. A key element of the SkyTeam global network is the hub-and-spoke system, which provides unparalleled connectivity and an easy way for customers to travel using members of the alliance from their departure city to any location in the world. 

SkyTeam Livery

The SkyTeam livery serves as a symbol of each member airline's commitment not only to the alliance but to delivering high-quality service to its customers. While all member airlines carry their own identity, SkyTeam's "Caring More About You" philosophy remains consistent throughout its members, and the unified SkyTeam livery serves as further proof of this consistency.

The SkyTeam livery design was inspired by the alliance's logo, which aims to express the ideals of both strength and service through a ribbon graphic. The livery design features:

• The dark blue SkyTeam logo on the tail fin.
• The blue SkyTeam ribbon wrapped around the back portion of the fuselage, which is silver in color.
• The SkyTeam name in large, dark blue letters along the front side of the aircraft fuselage.
• The name of the operating carrier placed below the SkyTeam name on the front section of the aircraft fuselag