Pilots worked with air traffic controllers to fly the most efficient route, avoiding the detours that flights often face. Loading was fully optimised to ensure the best centre of gravity, improving aerodynamics and generating fuel savings ranging from 1.5 to 2%. Cargo in the belly was stacked on lighter pallets and secured with lighter nets, and transport companies delivering cargo were asked to use vehicles powered by electricity or biodiesel. A total of more than 50 existing and new measures were taken aboard both flights, involving all KLM divisions as well as partners such as Edmonton Airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) and General Electric. The impact of the latest measures will be evaluated to see whether they are worth implementing in the short term.

The Sustainable Flight Challenge was initiated by a group of enthusiastic KLM employees, who were inspired by the famous London-Melbourne Air Race of 1934, which aimed to expand global access to the world and connect people with one another. Long-distance flights are no longer a challenge to the air transport industry, but sustainability presents a new frontier. That is why the Sustainable Flight Challenge will focus on an everyday, commercial scheduled service.

The performance of the participating airlines will be externally evaluated by a panel of six judges, headed by former Dutch prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende. They will decide which airline has performed best in four categories: impact, innovation, scalability and cooperation. The results will be released at the end of June. The knowledge generated during the Sustainable Flight Challenge will be shared among the participating SkyTeam partners.

Unlike SkyTeam’s other regional travel passes, the Go Round Asia and Southwest Pacific pass can be purchased without an intercontinental round-trip or Round the World ticket and is valid for travel originating within the region. Plus, travelers can buy a pass  three days in advance of their travel dates.

“Our Go Round Asia and South Pacific pass combines an exciting range of destinations with flexible, cost-effective travel thanks to our vast network throughout these regions,” said Mauro Oretti, SkyTeam’s VP Sales and Marketing. “We’ve taken the Round the World concept and delivered it on a smaller scale to offer as many as 11 flights for customers wanting to travel extensively in this part of the world, whether for business or leisure.” Customers can contact their local SkyTeam airline, reservation center or travel agent for details and bookings.

For terms and conditions of SkyTeam’s travel passes, click here.

Facts & Figures
Countries included:

Asia – Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines , Russian Federation East of the Urals,Singapore, South-Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam; Southwest Pacific – Australia, Guam, New Zealand.

Other SkyTeam Go Passes include:
Go Round the World, Go Africa, Go Greater China, Go Europe, Go Mexico, Go Russia and Go USA and Canada.

Two lucky winners will each receive a SkyTeam Go Round the World pass, offering up to 15 destinations on a single ticket with flights on any of SkyTeam’s 20 members.  In addition, winners can choose from one of five National Geographic Expeditions, worth up to approximately US$ 5,000, to enjoy on their travels. These include:

• Photo Workshop in Paris – 7-day workshop with an acclaimed National Geographic photographer
• Peru: Land of the Inca - 8-day journey into the legacy of the Inca and the vibrant traditions of Peruvian culture
• Alaska’s Inside Passage - 8 days aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion or Sea Bird
• Mongolia: Land of the Nomad - 13-day adventure to the steppe, the wetlands, and the desert
• Moroccan Odyssey - 11-day journey through Morocco from the seaside to the Sahara

To participate in the April contest, customers will like the SkyTeam’s Facebook page then click on the special Round the World tab. An App then generates their ‘ideal’ Round the World trip based on where their friends live, what interests them and what they like.  Customers can select the National Geographic Expedition they would like to win, before sharing the map with their friends via their Facebook wall.

Customers can also participate in the contest by booking a RTW trip in the month of May on www.skyteam.com. The winner for the Facebook contest will be chosen by lucky draw and announced the 15^th of May 2014 whilst the lucky customer from www.skyteam.com will be announced on the 16^th June 2014.

For more information about SkyTeam’s Round the World competition, click here

The airline boosts SkyTeam’s presence in Australia with service to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; and in Tokyo with flights to both Narita and Haneda airports.  Garuda will increase its service to Europe in May this year with a new route between Jakarta and London’s Gatwick airport.

As part of the requirements of joining SkyTeam, Garuda is implementing the alliance’s customer-focused initiatives. These include SkyPriority –priority airport services for Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers worldwide – which has been rolled out at over 900 airports globally. Effective immediately, Garuda’s 19 million annual passengers will be able to earn and redeem miles when flying on SkyTeam member-operated flights. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on Garuda Indonesia operated flights.

About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers access to 564 lounges worldwide. The 20 members are: Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, 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 588 million annual customers over 15,700 daily flights to 1,064 destinations in 178 countries.

www.skyteam.com / www.facebook.com/skyteam / www.youtube.com/user/skyteam

About Garuda Indonesia

Presenting a new level of service excellence in air travel, Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of Indonesia, seamlessly connects more than 64 destinations worldwide to not only one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, but also an exotic locations in the beautiful archipelago of Indonesia all at once. With approximately 500 daily flights and a fleet of around 130 aircraft, Garuda Indonesia proudly serves our passengers with the award-winning "Garuda Indonesia Experience" service, which highlights Indonesia’s warm hospitality and rich diverse culture. 

The airline continuously strives, through its ongoing transformation program, to provide better and more convenient services with one of the youngest fleets in the sky, which should grow to around 194 aircraft by 2015. For further information, please log on to www.garuda-indonesia.com or follow @IndonesiaGaruda on Twitter and PT.GarudaIndonesia on Facebook.

Garuda’s membership of SkyTeam will facilitate travel to Indonesia - Southeast Asia’s largest economy - for customers around the world. Garuda operates nonstop flights from Jakarta, the nation’s capital and financial center, to seven SkyTeam hubs: Seoul, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei and Amsterdam.

Garuda Indonesia’s President  & CEO, Emirsyah Satar, expressed his gratitude to SkyTeam and all of the member airlines for all the support given to the airline thus far. Joining SkyTeam is a long-term development strategy for Garuda Indonesia, as planned in the airline’s strategic expansion program “Quantum Leap 2011 – 2015”, and Garuda has been upgrading its service and actively forging cooperation with SkyTeam member airlines with this objective in mind.

Organizers can register their event for the Global Meetings product from 2 months to 5 years in advance by visiting SkyTeam.com.  In addition to the new online booking tool, other benefits offered by SkyTeam’s Global meetings product include:

• A wide range of fare discounts off the applicable fares of SkyTeam’s 19 members’ published fares on more than 15,400 daily flights.
• An enhanced Productivity Reward Program - offering organizers one free ticket on any member airline for every 50 attendees that travel with SkyTeam to their event.
• The possibility for delegates to earn miles with any SkyTeam airline loyalty program.

SkyTeam is also working on a number of additional features for its Global Meetings Product that will be introduced later in the year.

“International event organizers can choose SkyTeam with confidence knowing delegates can arrange their meetings from 1,000 worldwide destinations in a few simple clicks via our new online booking tool,” said Mauro Oretti, SkyTeam’s vice president Sales and Marketing. “The enhanced Global Meetings product is SkyTeam’s cost-effective solution for the competitive MICE sector, which combined with our presence in key markets such as North America, Greater China and Europe, meets the demands of today’s meetings industry.”To find out more about SkyTeam’s Global Meetings product, click here.
 

For more information:
SkyTeam
Corporate Communications
E: media@skyteam.com

To help customers maximize their travel options, SkyTeam has enhanced its Round the World planning tool on skyteam.com.  This easy-to-use, online service helps customers select flights for their ideal journey. Once customers have built an itinerary, they can share it with Facebook friends by posting their travel plans directly on their walls.

“Top of our Facebook customers’ travel wish-lists for 2013 are exciting cities such as Rio de Janeiro, London, New York, Beijing and Sydney, all of which are within easy reach from every continent thanks to the combined route maps of our 19 members,” said Jerome d’Anglejan – Director Sales, SkyTeam.  “SkyTeam’s Round the World promotional fare is bringing customers even closer to their dream destinations by offering savings they can put to better use while enjoying their travels.”

An example of a SkyTeam Round the World itinerary possible within the promotional fare conditions* of a maximum of 26,000 miles:

Madrid - Buenos Aires - Sydney - Ho Chi Minh City - Moscow – Madrid

*Promotional fare conditions

• Booking must be made before 31 March 2013, using the flights of any of the 19 SkyTeam member airlines
• Travel can begin 7 days after purchase
• First outbound intercontinental flight must be flown before 30 June
• The maximum stay is six months, the minimum stay is ten days
• A maximum of five stopovers is permitted
• Total travel may not exceed 26,000 miles

Customers wishing to take advantage of SkyTeam’s Round the World Fare promotion should contact their local SkyTeam member airline reservation center or a travel agent for further details and bookings.

To check out SkyTeam’s Round the World travel planner, click here. A version of the Round the World Planner is available exclusively for travel professionals on SkyTeam’s dedicated travel trade website, skyteam.biz.

SkyTeam
Corporate Communications
T: +31 (0)20 333 3064
E: media@skyteam.com

In 2012 alone, SkyTeam has expanded considerably. The alliance has added four new airlines: Saudia, MEA, Aerolíneas Argentinas and Xiamen Airlines. SkyTeam is the second-largest alliance in terms of network size, and with four members from the region, the #1 in Greater China.

“SkyTeam takes customers wherever they want to go, whenever they want to fly,” said Fatima da Gloria de Sousa, SkyTeam’s director of Brand and Communications. “We have a vocal, vibrant and ever-growing Facebook community and this is a fun and interactive way to help them discover the exciting network we have to offer.”

With 1,000 destinations to choose before they fly, customers can make the most of every travel opportunity thanks to SkyTeam’s enhanced travel pass portfolio. This includes Round the World tickets and seven regional travel passes: Go Africa, Go USA and Canada, Go Asia and South West Pacific, Go Europe, Go Greater China, Go Russia and Go Mexico. SkyTeam’s Go Passes have recently been redesigned to offer even more flexible and cost effective travel, with significant discounts off published fares, and are ideal for customers with multi-city itineraries within a particular region traveling for business or leisure.

Customers wishing to take part in SkyTeam’s Destination Challenge game should visit Facebook.com/SkyTeam.

For more information about SkyTeam’s travel passes click here.
 

Xiamen Airlines’ fast expanding international network includes Southeast and Northeast Asia and the airline has announced plans to launch flights to Europe, North America and Australasia by 2014 after the introduction of Boeing 787. SkyTeam membership offers Xiamen Airlines’ customers greater connectivity onto international routes from China operated by other alliance members. This includes carriers from the region: China Airlines, China Eastern and China Southern, and eight additional SkyTeam airlines: Aeroméxico, Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Delta, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air and Vietnam Airlines. 

In keeping with SkyTeam’s focus on enriching the customer experience, Xiamen Airlines has also started rolling out SkyPriority, SkyTeam priority airport services for SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers worldwide. Effective immediately, Xiamen Airlines’ customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on services operated by all SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on Xiamen Airlines-operated flights.

SkyTeam passengers traveling to China will be able to fly on Xiamen Airlines flights as part of SkyTeam’s Go Round the World and Go Greater China Passes, giving them even more options to enjoy flexible, cost-effective travel globally and throughout the region.
For more information:

SkyTeam
Corporate Communications
T: +31 (0)20 333 3064
E: media@skyteam.com

Shanghai Airlines customers will enjoy SkyTeam alliance benefits such as earning and redeeming of Frequent Flyer Miles across the global network, Elite recognition, priority passenger service and access to more than 420 lounges worldwide. Shanghai Airlines will enter into codeshare agreements with the current SkyTeam members.

SkyTeam Managing Director, Mr. Marie-Joseph Malé, said: "The addition of the combined networks of China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines gives new opportunities for SkyTeam customers to access cities in all regions of China using Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports".

SkyTeam No. 1 alliance for the Greater China region

After the effective entry in 2011, Shanghai Airlines and its parent company China Eastern will increase the SkyTeam presence in the region as their combined networks add up to that of Guangzhou-based member China Southern. China Airlines, based in Taipei, is also expected to join the alliance in the same period. Together, these four members will cement SkyTeam’s No. 1 position in the Greater China region. China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines will add 32 new destinations to the SkyTeam network.

“Looking forward, we will continue to focus on this continent. Our founding members Delta and Aeroméxico are significant players in the Latin American market and are leading the way in terms of finding new opportunities in this region,” said Mr. Wisbrun. “Delta has expanded its cooperation with Brazil’s GOL and Aeroméxico, by building ground-breaking commercial agreements. These will pave the way for further opportunities for SkyTeam and our customers”.

Joining SkyTeam is a major achievement in Aerolíneas Argentinas’ long-term restructuring plan. Key elements of this plan include fleet renewal and network rationalization, upgrading the entire IT platform, improving product quality and enhancing the frequent flyer program Aerolíneas Plus. Aerolíneas Argentinas operates services to 52 destinations in 14 countries from its two hubs at Buenos Aires, including a comprehensive domestic network of 35 destinations within Argentina itself. These include popular tourist attractions such as: the Patagonian capital of Ushuaia, the spectacular Iguazu falls, the world-renowned wine producing region of Mendoza, as well as the industrial centers of Córdoba and Rosario.

Buenos Aires is served by six existing SkyTeam members – Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, Delta Air Lines and KLM - all offering regular scheduled services to and from North America and Europe. Altogether, SkyTeam carriers now offer 123 daily departures from Buenos Aires to 53 destinations around the globe.

In keeping with SkyTeam’s focus on enriching the customer experience, Aerolíneas Argentinas will implement SkyPriority – SkyTeam priority airport services for Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers worldwide - by the end of 2012. Effective immediately, Aerolíneas Argentinas customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on services operated by all SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on Aerolíneas Argentinas operated flights.

Customers traveling on SkyTeam’s Go Round the World pass now benefit from even more seamless travel throughout six continents. Aerolíneas Argentinas operates direct flights from Buenos Aires to Sydney, meaning for the first time customers can fly non-stop between South America and Australia as part of a SkyTeam Round the World itinerary.

For more information:

SkyTeam
Corporate Communications
T: +31 (0)20 333 3064
E: media@skyteam.com

China has become an increasingly important trade partner for the Middle East. With members China Airlines, China Eastern and China Southern, the SkyTeam network opens up increased opportunities for commerce in the Greater China Region.

“Joining SkyTeam allows us to expand our global reach and offer our customers hundreds more worldwide destinations,” said MEA Chairman - Director General Mohamad El-Hout. “Becoming a SkyTeam member is integral to our strategy for growth and increased profitability as we look forward to a future of cooperation with our alliance partners.”

Effective immediately, MEA customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on services operated by all SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on MEA operated flights.

MEA’s membership and integration into the alliance is sponsored by founding SkyTeam member Air France.

For more information:

SkyTeam
Corporate Communications
T: +31 (0)20 333 3064
E: media@skyteam.com

MEA
Public Relations Department
T: +9611 628888
E: publicrelations@mea.com.lb

Prior to joining SkyTeam, Saudia embarked on a four-year turnaround program, which will be completed by 2013. As a key part of this program, the airline took the opportunity to refresh its corporate identity and change its name. Upon joining SkyTeam, the name Saudia was reintroduced, the airline’s name from 1972 to 1996, still fondly used by its customers. Honour, an aviation brand experience consultancy, designed and managed the brand refresh program. Other elements of Saudia’s transformation plan include modernizing IT, commercial, operational and financial platforms and renewing the fleet by acquiring 90 new aircraft.

During the joining ceremony, Saudia unveiled two aircraft painted in SkyTeam livery. The aircraft are a Boeing B777-200 (reg. HZ-AKC) deployed on routes to Dubai, London, New York and Guangzhou, in addition to an Airbus A320 (reg. HZ-ASF) used primarily on routes to Europe and the UAE.

For more information:

SkyTeam
Corporate Communications
T:  +31 (0)20 333 3064 
E: media@skyteam.com

Saudia
Public Relations
T:  +96626862153
E: asmadani@saudiairlines.com

“With SkyPriority, we can offer our most loyal passengers an improved travel experience,” says Erik Varwijk, KLM’s managing director. “Travel includes everything from check-in desk to baggage carousel, and we make it all faster and easier. We can offer our SkyTeam customers an even better, more consistent product.”

Travellers can see the SkyPriority mark on their boarding pass and know immediately if they qualify for this special service. From check-in to departure, they can follow the red SkyPriority signs so they can check in, drop off their bags, and board faster and easier. What is more, SkyPriority makes it easier for airport staff to recognise and assist passengers.

SkyTeam is the first airline alliance to offer consistent priority services worldwide, in which all member airlines take part. All SkyTeam airlines have established their implementation dates and introduction periods. Some of the first airports to introduce SkyPriority include Paris Charles de Gaulle (today), Atlanta, Guangzhou, Nairobi, Shanghai, and Taipei.

SkyPriority will align all members to a common and consistent service standard for priority airport services across the alliance. The distinctive SkyPriority branding will help customers clearly find their way and travel faster through the airport. At the same time, it will be easier for airport staff to recognize and assist eligible customers.

Founding SkyTeam member Delta Air Lines created the SkyPriority brand and rolled out the product to its customers in 2010. Due to the success of the project, SkyTeam has adopted the program, making it the first global airline alliance to consistently offer these priority services on a worldwide scale, with all current and future members participating.

SkyPriority services will include:

• Priority check-in areas
• Priority baggage drop-off
• Priority service at airport ticket offices
• Priority service at transfer desks
• Priority lines at security, where available
• Priority boarding
• Priority baggage handling

“SkyPriority is one part of our ongoing effort to improve the customer experience. By increasing consistency at airports, we make travel faster and more convenient for our customers,” said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam’s Managing Director. “This is the biggest collective SkyTeam project to date and a prime example of how our members are extensively working together to bring greater benefits to our customers.”

SkyPriority services will be distinctively branded at airports worldwide and the SkyPriority indicator will be displayed on eligible passengers’ boarding passes. The brand concept will be applied to each individual airline’s existing identity, enabling passengers to instantly recognize SkyPriority services at any airport.

Each member airline has its own implementation date and roll-out timeline. Some of the first airports where SkyPriority will be launched are Amsterdam, Atlanta, Guangzhou, Nairobi, Shanghai and Taipei. By early 2013, SkyPriority will be visible at over 1,000 airports. Following this initial roll-out, additional SkyPriority benefits will be introduced in the future.

For more information:

SkyTeam Corporate Communications
T:  +31 (0)20 3333064
E: media@skyteam.com

About SkyTeamSkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers over 490 lounges worldwide. The fifteen members are: Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, TAROM and Vietnam Airlines. SkyTeam offers its 487 million annual customers globally over 14,500 daily flights to 926 destinations in 173 countries.

www.skyteam.com / www.facebook.com/skyteam  / www.youtube.com/user/skyteam
 

SkyTeam's Beijing facility includes 50 check-in desks, with a further 10 self-service kiosks available by the end of the year. Premium passengers benefit from dedicated check-in counters.

"The co-location of SkyTeam carriers worldwide is an integral part of our strategy as it offers tangible benefits to both our customers and our members," said Gordon Humpherys, SkyTeam's VP of Airport Services. "With so many SkyTeam members serving Beijing, the shared facility strengthens our brand in this region and makes traveling through the airport easier for passengers, while enabling airlines to realize a number of important synergies."

Since the SkyTips competition was launched in June 2011, the SkyTeam Facebook page has grown from 1,500 to almost 46,000 fans. “SkyTips is one of a number of innovations we are developing to enhance our customers’ airport experience and the response has been phenomenal,” said Fatima da Gloria de Sousa, SkyTeam’s Director of Brand and Communications. “SkyTeam members serve hundreds of airports worldwide, and with thousands of extra travelers flying over the holidays our online competition will enable our global customers to share handy hints on keeping ahead of the crowds.” More than 800 airport tips have been posted to date.

SkyTeam’s Facebook competition builds on the alliance’s celebrity SkyTips campaign, launched earlier this year as part of a refreshed SkyTeam.com. The campaign features five famous high-flyers from around the globe, who have teamed up with SkyTeam at some of the world’s largest airports. Each celebrity has filmed a short, how-to video, packed with tips and advice to help passengers get the best out of their time at SkyTeam hubs.

To enter the competition, customers need to like SkyTeam’s Facebook page and click on the SkyTips icon. There is no limit to how many tips customers can post; winners are decided by the number of votes each tip receives. Detailed conditions can be found on the SkyTeam Facebook page. January’s prize will be announced on January 2nd 2012.

SkyTeam’s celebrity SkyTips are available on SkyTeam.com and YouTube and feature:

Marcel Wanders, designer – Amsterdam Schiphol
Ben Fogle, adventurer – Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson
Pam Ann, celebrity air hostess – London Heathrow
Antoine de Caunes, actor – Paris Charles de Gaulle
Richard Chai, fashion designer – Seoul Incheon

Extensive choice of destinations in the Greater China region
China Airlines complements the network of existing members, China Southern and China Eastern, and offers an extensive cross-strait operation to 20 major destinations in China. This provides SkyTeam customers with an unrivalled choice of travel options in the Greater China region.

“Thanks to excellent links to a number of existing SkyTeam hubs, China Airlines’ membership adds value to the alliance for both passengers and cargo customers,” said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam’s Managing Director. “Adding a quality brand from a strong economic region will support SkyTeam’s focus on our top priority- enhancing our products and services for our customers worldwide.”

“Joining SkyTeam is an integral part of our strategy for increased international growth and profitability,” said China Airlines’ Chairman, Mr. Chia-Juch Chang. “Today’s milestone is a momentous occasion in our history and we look forward to a future of cooperation and collaboration with our SkyTeam partners, bringing greater benefits to our distinguished passengers.”

Effective immediately, China Airlines customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on all services operated by SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on any China Airlines operated flight. China Airlines will be included in all SkyTeam global deals, particularly benefiting corporate clients with business interests in Taiwan.

Refreshed China Airlines brand
While including the SkyTeam brand within its identity, China Airlines has also completely refreshed its brand image. The ‘Plum Blossom’ trademark and ‘Chinese Seal’ have been integrated, promoting China Airlines’ corporate identity in a simple, harmonized and modern design. The new logo will soon feature on all signboards, bulletins and travel products for passengers worldwide. China Airlines is also the first SkyTeam member airline to fly a Boeing 747-400 in SkyTeam livery colors. The aircraft was unveiled during the festivities at today’s ceremony.

The Round the World Planner is another example of SkyTeam’s focus on actively improving products and services for its customers. “With hundreds of destinations to choose from, SkyTeam can take our customers wherever they want to go whenever they want to go, whether they are traveling for business or pleasure,” said Mauro Oretti, SkyTeam’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Our new planner has been developed to maximize customers’ potential travel opportunities, whilst minimizing the complexity of planning a Round the World itinerary.”

The SkyTeam Round the World planner intuitively guides users through every step of planning an itinerary, which once saved can be printed or emailed. Customers can book their chosen travel plans via their travel agent or any SkyTeam member airline. Future phases of the application will feature real-time flight availability, prices and the ability to book online via SkyTeam.com.

The direct link to the Round the World Planner: www.skyteam.com/en/your-trip/Round-the-World-Planner

For more information:
SkyTeam Corporate Communications
T:  +31 (0)20 3333064
E: media@skyteam.com

“We are delighted to welcome China Eastern and its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines into SkyTeam and honored that they have chosen this platform for joint growth,” said Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam’s Managing Director. “With these additions, we firmly solidify our position as the #1 alliance for the Greater China region. And while we further build on completing our geographical network coverage, our members will work together to enhance alliance-wide benefits for our customers.”

China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines will be included in all SkyTeam global deals offered to clients, benefiting corporate customers and offering increased opportunities for trade and commerce between this region and the rest of the world.

Effective immediately, China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines’ passengers can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles when flying on all services operated by SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when traveling on China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines-operated flights. Frequent flyers can also benefit from access to more than 465 lounges worldwide, including those offered by China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines at Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports.

China has become an increasingly important trade partner for the Middle East. With members China Airlines, China Eastern and China Southern, the SkyTeam network opens up increased opportunities for commerce in the Greater China Region.

Effective immediately, MEA customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on services operated by all SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on MEA operated flights.

MEA’s membership and integration into the alliance is sponsored by founding SkyTeam member Air France.

“The SkyTeam App confirms SkyTeam’s ongoing commitment to accelerating product and service developments to meet our global travelers’ need for seamless travel”, says Mauro Oretti, SkyTeam’s Vice President Sales and Marketing. “It helps our customers get to where they need to be by providing useful and updated travel information from our members.”
The SkyTeam app for the iPhone and iPad is available for free on the iTunes App Store. Blackberry and Android users will have access to the App within the next two months.

Through direct services by Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia and Delta Air Lines to Buenos Aires, SkyTeam already offers Argentinean customers daily access to North America and Europe, with convenient connections to Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The extensive domestic and regional service of Aerolíneas Argentinas brings 38 new destinations to the SkyTeam network, including Córdoba, Mendoza, Asunción and Montevideo. With Buenos Aires serving as a Latin American hub with flights to and from key destinations in the region, SkyTeam customers will benefit from improved access to the southern part of South America and Patagonia in particular, popular destinations with travelers from all over the world.

Fleet renewal and improving quality and consistency

Aerolíneas Argentinas has initiated a long-term plan to expand and revitalize its business. Key elements of this plan include fleet renewal and rationalization, adding key international destinations such as New York and London, increasing the density of the domestic and regional network and improving product quality and consistency.

Mariano Recalde, President and CEO of Aerolíneas Argentinas said: “Aerolíneas has started a new chapter under the direction of the Argentine Government and for more than one year we have taken several measures to strengthen our business model. One of the key elements is to reinstate Aerolíneas into the industry standards and improve our customers’ experience. Joining SkyTeam is a major step towards fulfilling our goals and market recognition for our efforts and commitment. As a result, Aerolíneas’ passengers will benefit from unprecedented global connectivity through the alliance hubs and networks in Europe, America and Asia, and will also have access to a wide variety of SkyTeam products.”

Marie-Joseph Malé, Managing Director of SkyTeam, said: “As our 10th anniversary year comes to a close, we can look back on an extraordinary period of growth for the alliance. We have seen our member base in Asia grow tremendously with the announcements of China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, China Airlines and Garuda Indonesia. Welcoming Aerolíneas Argentinas is the next significant step in expanding our presence in Latin America. Together with its plans to expand intercontinental services to New York, London and Paris, I am convinced that joining SkyTeam will help Aerolíneas Argentinas position itself as a major player in Latin America.”

“Joining SkyTeam is a long-term development strategy for Garuda Indonesia, and for years we have been upgrading our service and actively forging cooperation with SkyTeam member airlines with this objective in mind,” said Emirsyah Satar, President and CEO of Garuda. “As the first Indonesian airline to join this world-class alliance, our strategic target is to continuously strengthen profitability and boost international market competitiveness”.

“The most fitting word to characterize 2010 for SkyTeam is growth. Welcoming a member that covers a considerable part of Southeast Asia definitely illustrates our expansion”, said SkyTeam Chairman Leo van Wijk. “Indonesia has great cultural and historical wealth, is rich in a range of natural resources and has seen impressive economic developments. Garuda's financial and operational restructuring has proven very successful and I am convinced that this will help position the airline as a major player in the region”. Garuda Indonesia was named the „World's Most Improved Airline” at the Skytrax 2010 World Airline Awards.

“Jakarta will serve as an alternate gateway to and from Asia,” said SkyTeam Managing Director Mr. Marie-Joseph Malé. “Garuda's consideration to expand its intercontinental network to Frankfurt, Paris, London and Rome will make the airline an increasingly attractive option for business and leisure travelers”.

Garuda already cooperates extensively with Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern and China Airlines and will establish additional codeshare agreements with other SkyTeam partners. The joining process leading to full entry into SkyTeam is expected to be completed by 2012.

Through a five-year restructuring plan introduced last year, Aerolíneas Argentinas is implementing a number of measures to strengthen its business
model and establish itself as a major player in Latin America. Key elements of this plan include fleet renewal and rationalization, adding key international
destinations, increasing the density of the domestic and regional network and improving product quality and consistency.

SkyTeam has made significant progress in attracting new members in its 10th anniversary year. In June the alliance welcomed Vietnam Airlines and TAROM
as new members. In addition, SkyTeam announced that China Eastern and China Airlines would join the group in 2011, cementing the alliances’ No. 1 position in the Greater China region. SkyTeam is actively working on further extending its global network by looking for additional members from regions such as Southeast Asia, India and Latin America.

During an official ceremony in Taipei, China Airlines’ President Huang-Hsiang Sun, joined the CEOs and representatives of SkyTeam member airlines in signing an Adherence Agreement, thus formally starting the process of China Airlines joining SkyTeam. The signing ceremony took place at National Concert Hall in Taipei, witnessed by Chairman of the SkyTeam Governing Board Leo van Wijk, Managing Director of SkyTeam Marie-Joseph Malé and Chairman Liu Shaoyong of future member China Eastern.

“The inclusion of China Airlines in our network will solidify SkyTeam’s unrivalled presence in the Greater China market, a region that continues to experience significant economic growth,” said Leo van Wijk. “In addition to the services provided by our existing members, China Airlines offers an extensive cross-strait operation, linking Taiwan to multiple major destinations in China. Also, Taipei will serve as an alternative Asian hub with services to and from key business destinations in the region.”

"Joining SkyTeam is a long-term development strategy for China Airlines, and for many years we have been actively promoting various types of cooperation with SkyTeam member airlines with this objective in mind. As the first Taiwanese airline to join the world-class alliance, our strategic target is to continuously strengthen profitability and boost international market competitiveness," said China Airlines Chairman Philip Wei.
 
Mr. Malé added: “We are honored and delighted to welcome China Airlines in our midst. We now enter a phase where China Airlines will work closely together with the current members to establish bilateral agreements and fulfill the more than 100 membership requirements We rely in particular on our Asian members to use their advanced experience in the alliance to guide China Airlines in the joining process and expect our newest member to effectively join SkyTeam around mid 2011”.

To commemorate SkyTeam’s 10th anniversary in 2010, the alliance has published a special DECADES eZine. Customers can find facts and figures about SkyTeam, as well as information about the Round the World promotional offer, hotel tips, the top 10 business travel gadgets and more.
Visit http://www.skyteam.com/decades/index.html to view the DECADES eZine.

SkyTeam priorities for the remainder of 2010 and beyond

After celebrating the 10 year anniversary of SkyTeam in June, the member airlines not only looked back on accomplishments achieved but also at the priorities ahead. Key areas the alliance will be focused on are:

1Further increase the scope and reach of the SkyTeam network:
There are specific regions where SkyTeam wishes to strengthen its network reach to further meet the demands of its customers. These regions are Latin America, India, Southeast Asia and the larger Asia Pacific. SkyTeam is actively looking to fill these gaps by talking to several potential partners.
2Enrich the seamless SkyTeam experience:
SkyTeam members will work on improving service consistency by enhancing products, connectivity and seamlessness.
3Deepen the cooperation among partners as a differentiating factor:
By deepening the working relationships between members, the alliance can work more effectively to deliver on the promise to the customers.

New on-line customer survey to focus on overall alliance experience

SkyTeam is working together with InSites Consulting to better understand the experience of customers flying with SkyTeam member airlines. Launched on Monday 2 August, this on-line survey covers all aspects of the alliance experience - from reservation to arrival.

“We wish to better perceive the whole customer experience, from ticket search and reservation to the end of the journey and leaving the airport,” says Murli Poonath, SkyTeam’s Director Marketing and Customer Experience. “The results of the survey allow SkyTeam members to focus on improvements ensuring a seamless process that will really make a difference”. On selected flights customers will receive an invitation card asking them to log onto the SkyTeam survey website so as to capture feedback on their experience.

After completing the survey, passengers can choose one of three charities to which SkyTeam will make a donation on their behalf. The charities are:

BirdLife International www.birdlife.org
CARE www.care.org
MASSIVEGOOD www.massivegood.org
For more information about InSites Consulting: www.insites.eu

SkyTeam to develop on-line travel planner

SkyTeam reached an agreement with travel technology specialist InterGlobe Technologies to develop an online itinerary planner. Customers will be able to use the ‘SkyTeam Travel Planner’ to organize round-the-world and regional trips, choosing from an endless number of destinations throughout the global network offered by the 13 SkyTeam members.

Similar tools are not new to the alliance industry, but the strong development of round-the-world travels has lead SkyTeam to invest in a state-of-the-art tool. SkyTeam and IGT favor an intuitive approach to build the travel planner.
This means that customers using the tool will not necessarily have to start their search geographically. Rather, both business and leisure travelers can plan itineraries, using gadgets that meet their specific needs or interests. Features like pre-loaded packages, weather reports and other relevant travel information, will make it effortless to customize even the most complex itinerary.

“We are delighted that SkyTeam has chosen InterGlobe Technologies and look forward to working with the alliance to deploy this innovative itinerary planner solution,” said Vipul Doshi, Chief Executive Officer, InterGlobe Technologies.
“We are confident that SkyTeam will leverage IGT’s resource and domain expertise to realize new opportunities and strengthen its online strategies.”

The travel planner is being developed with the technology and consultancy support of the SkyTeam member KLM and the tool will be available on SkyTeam.com for SkyTeam’s trade partners and direct customers. After the initial release in early 2011, the travel planner will be enhanced and expanded further, to eventually be upgraded with a direct booking tool.

For more information about InterGlobe Technologies: www.igt.in

“As we celebrate SkyTeam's 10th anniversary, we are delighted to be able to offer our SkyTeam customers even lower-fares and additional savings through our first dedicated Round the World pass promotion",  said Mr Mauro Oretti, Vice President Marketing & Sales at the launch of the promotion.

Below is an example of how a customer can save up to approximately € 600 if a SkyTeam Round the World fare is booked through KLM in the Netherlands, using additional SkyTeam carriers like Delta, Korean Air and China Southern:

Amsterdam–New York-Los Angeles-Seoul-Shanghai-Amsterdam
The regular price including surcharges and government tax, adds up to a total of € 2,901.82
With the Round the World promotion, the fare will be € 2,302.82
Total mileage: 18,125 miles

Conditions:

• Booking must be made before 30 September 2010
• Travel must start on/after 15 July 2010 and on/before 31 December 2010
• The maximum stay is 6 months, the minimum stay is 14 days
• A maximum of five stopovers is permitted
• Total travel miles may not exceed 20,000 miles (except for travel originating in Kenya, in that case 22,000 miles is permitted)
• Airline members issuing the special Round the World promotion tickets are: Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and TAROM. Vietnam Airlines will join from 20 July 2010.

This special fare cannot be booked online

TAROM’s joining into the SkyTeam Alliance was officially announced in Bucharest, by Mr. Radu Berceanu, Minister of Transportation from Romania, Mrs. Ruxandra Brutaru, President and CEO of TAROM Airlines, Mr. Leo van Wijk, Chairman of the SkyTeam Governing Board, Mr. Marie-Joseph Malé, Managing Director of SkyTeam and Mr. Dominique Patry, Vice President International and Alliances at Air France.

Over the past two years, TAROM has worked intensively to fulfill the alliances’ membership requirements, ranging from customer service elements such as the recognition of frequent flyer programs, lounge access and priority baggage handling, to establishing codeshare agreements with SkyTeam members.

“By joining the SkyTeam Alliance, TAROM opens a new page in its 55 years of history,” said Mrs. Brutaru. “Implementing the joining process was quite challenging, because we had to concentrate, in 2009 - a year defined by the global economic crisis - on regaining our market share and obtaining an increase in passenger numbers of up to 20%. It is indeed a historical event, acknowledging our staff’s professionalism and high quality service.”

“As we continue to expand our network around the globe, Europe remains a key strategic market for our alliance. We are proud to welcome Romania’s national carrier into our alliance today, further underling SkyTeam’s commitment to Central and Eastern Europe. TAROM firmly contributes to this promise, by adding 11 new destinations to the SkyTeam network,” said Leo van Wijk.

“SkyTeam now comprises seven European airlines, offering a comprehensive network throughout the continent, as well as hundreds of nonstop intercontinental flights to Asia, Africa, North and Latin America each day,” said Marie-Joseph Malé. “A number of SkyTeam carriers already serve TAROM’s hub in Bucharest and SkyTeam corporate customers will benefit from the inclusion of TAROM in all the global deals we offer clients, helping to facilitate trade and commerce between Romania and the rest of the world.”

CONTACT:

TAROM Press Office: 
Corporate Communications
Tel:  +40 (0)21/ 201.47.34
Fax: +40 (0)21/ 201.45.42
E-mail: presa@tarom.ro

SKYTEAM: 
Corporate Communications
T +31 (0)20 333 3064
M+31 (0)64 338 3664
media@skyteam.com

About TAROM

With a fleet of 26 aircraft, TAROM carries over 1.7 million passengers annually to over 40 destinations and having a turnover of 191.4 million euros in 2009, the Romanian national carrier TAROM is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) since 1993 and the Association of European Airlines (AEA) since 2000. TAROM operates to 45 destinations in summer 2010, covering countries from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. In 2009, when TAROM was named “The Most Trusted Brand” in the airline category by the prestigious publication Reader's Digest Romania, the national company transported over 1.7 million passengers and had a load factor over 56 percent. For 2010, TAROM estimates over 2 million passengers carried and a a load factor of 60%. www.tarom.ro

About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers over 415 lounges worldwide. The thirteen members are: Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, TAROM Romanian Air Transport and Vietnam Airlines. SkyTeam offers its 395 million annual passengers a worldwide system of approximately 13,000 daily flights to 898 destinations in 169 countries. SkyTeam celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010. www.skyteam.com 

Signed an agreement with China Eastern to formally begin the process
of adding one of China’s leading airlines as a SkyTeam member, and
Renewed its membership program, thereby making Air Europa, Kenya
Airways and TAROM full members of the alliance.

From its founding in 2000 by Aeroméxico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air, SkyTeam has grown to 13 members in 2010, including the recent addition of Vietnam Airlines and this Friday’s planned addition of Romanian carrier TAROM. SkyTeam carriers today offer more than 13,000 daily flights to 898 destinations in 169 countries, up from 6,402 daily flights to 451 destinations in 98 countries at its inception.

Deepened cooperation

“During the last 10 years, SkyTeam’s experience with ground breaking mergers and joint ventures has deepened the cooperation among our members, giving our customers access to more markets at lower fares,” said SkyTeam Governing Board Chairman Leo van Wijk. “As we look back at SkyTeam’s steady growth of members, all are focusing on creating global coverage by linking complementary networks, flying from a few of the best hubs in Europe, the US, Asia and Africa. Today we offer our customers more destinations, more frequencies and more and better connectivity.”

“As deregulation and Open Skies agreements opened opportunities for more effective business alignment, SkyTeam emerged as a way for airlines to offer customers more connections across the globe through alliances rather than complex intercontinental mergers. And our growth will continue.”

Growth in Asia

During the Governing Board meeting, China Eastern signed an Adherence Agreement with SkyTeam, formally starting its process of joining the alliance. SkyTeam’s Managing Director, Marie-Joseph Malé, outlined the value of a second Chinese member in the alliance: “Asia is a very important growth market for SkyTeam, and we are well on track to strengthen our offering in this fast-growing part of the world. With our newest member Vietnam Airlines, and China Eastern joining us in the future, we will offer our customers 10 percent more daily flights than today. Combined with China Southern and Korean Air, these four Asian carriers will further strengthen SkyTeam's presence in Asia and position us for future growth. And we still intend to add more Asian carriers to our group, thus firmly consolidating SkyTeam as THE alliance for Asia.”

Future Focus

SkyTeam is also focused on growing its presence in other regions of the world, such as Latin America, Southeast Asia and India. “Over the past decade, SkyTeam has played a vital role in extending our customers’ reach beyond the many points Delta serves,” said Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Air Lines, and host of the SkyTeam Governing Board in New York. “This will continue as SkyTeam pursues a strategy of valuable growth by recruiting even more members that offer our customers access into new regions.”

SkyTeam’s 10-year anniversary also marks the introduction of a new membership program, to better match with the alliances’ growth ambition. The former Associate Airline program served carriers, including current partners of alliance members, who were interested in alliance benefits but did not yet meet all strategic criteria necessary to become full SkyTeam members. It allowed SkyTeam to build a broader network and provide customers with access to additional regions of the world. With a higher degree of maturity reached in alliance development and integration, SkyTeam now fully integrates all members into the alliance. With this reclassification, Air Europa, Kenya Airways and new member TAROM will now also be referred to as Member airlines. This change will reinforce the cohesion among the partner airlines. For the customer, there will be no differences.

For more information:
SkyTeam Corporate Communications:
E: media@skyteam.com
T: +31 64 33 83 664
Or contact one of the SkyTeam member airlines

About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers over 415 lounges worldwide. The thirteen members are: Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, TAROM Romanian Air Transport and Vietnam Airlines. SkyTeam offers its 395 million annual passengers a worldwide system of more than 13,000 daily flights to 898 destinations in 169 countries. SkyTeam celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010. www.skyteam.com
 

We have attached the SkyTeam press release on this topic that we dispatch on behalf of SkyTeam Corporate Communications.