SkyTeam growth all set to take off
SkyTeam has made giant steps towards anticipated network growth in key markets, as the global airline alliance readies for the entry of China Southern and three associate airlines, Air Europa, Copa and Kenya Airways, later this year.
They will join Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. Through its network, the group offers its 364 million annual passengers a worldwide system of nearly 15,000 daily flights covering 744 destinations. Last year, readers of Global Traveler Magazine voted SkyTeam the "Best Airline Alliance" for the second year running. New chairman Leo Van Wijk said he would drive forward the initiatives and priorities for the year as well as welcome new members and associates and continue collaboration among the 10 current alliance members. The board, consisting of the chairman and CEO of each member airline, functions as the central strategy and decision-making body of the alliance, while the chairman is its premier spokesman. SkyTeam will continue to rely on the joint efforts of its 10 member airlines for day-to-day management of the alliance. Van Wijk emphasised the alliance's focus on improving the reciprocity of frequent-flyer programmes, SkyTeam's co-location policy at airports, notably at London's Heathrow, and the membership process for new partners and associate members.
Suchat Sritama
The Nation
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