SkyTeam Flying High
with New Members

Official Website: www.skyteam.com 

The second largest global alliance, with 15 airlines on board, offers worldwide connections through 14,700 daily flights covering 958 destinations in 173 countries.

SkyTeam, which is the second largest global alliance of airlines, offers about 14,700 daily flights to 958 destinations in 173 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, which is also the largest cargo alliance in the world.
SkyTeam was established in June 2000 with the participation of four airlines: Aeroméxico, Delta Air Lines, Air France and Korean Air. Last year its membership increased to 15. They 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 Air- lines.
SkyTeam offers its 487 million annual passengers a worldwide network of flights covering new destinations. The alliance strives to provide its customers with seamless connections and a hassle-free travel experience before, during, between and after their flights. There are 470 SkyTeam lounges at airports worldwide to provide special services to its customers.
In August 2002, the alliance announced unified ticket prices for the Europe zone while in June 2003, SkyTeam’s ground service terminal was opened at Charles de Gaulle Air- port in Paris. In July 2004 the alliance announced unified ticket prices for the America zone.  In October 2005
it announced unified ticket prices for the Asia zone.  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, unified ticket prices were announced for the China zone. In June 2009, SkyTeam’s first terminal was opened at Heathrow while in September of the same year the alliance announced unified prices for the Mexico zone. In October 2009 joint facilities for the alliance were opened at Terminal-4 of Heathrow Airport.

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 their 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. 

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.
Since 2000, SkyTeam has opened more than 40 co-locations in major destinations and hubs around the world, including Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Beijing, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Geneva, Istanbul, Lagos, Manchester, Mexico City, Munich, Milan-Malpensa, Moscow- Sheremetyevo, Paris-Charles De Gaulle, Prague, Rome, Stuttgart, Tunis, Venice and Vienna. SkyTeam developed a new level of co-location at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4, the first 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 first 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 first 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. 

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 fuselage. 
SkyTeam Products 
• Round the World fare pass - allows passengers to circle the globe via travel on any - or all - of SkyTeam’s members.
• America, Asia, China, Europe, Italy and Mexico fare passes - allows SkyTeam customers who purchase a trans- Atlantic, trans-Pacific or inter-continental ticket to America, Asia or Europe to also purchase three or more one- way intra-region flight segments at reduced fares. 
• SkyTeam Global Corporate Contracts - offers corporate travel solutions for multinational companies.
• SkyTeam Global Meetings - streamlines the process of arranging travel for large-scale international meetings.
• Seamless connections with single check-in.
• Access to more than 2,100 ticket offices worldwide.
• Access to more than 470 airport lounges worldwide.
• Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, as well as preferred seating and reciprocal lounge access for Elite passengers. 
In-Flight Services 
SkyTeam airlines provide passengers with consistently warm and friendly in-flight service without compromising the cultural diversity that makes each member
distinctive:
• Passengers receive accurate and timely in-flight information. 
• In addition to the language of each carrier, English is spoken on every flight.
• SkyTeam offers its passengers consistent special meals across all SkyTeam flights. 
• All SkyTeam in-flight video programming includes segments with convenient exercises to help passengers stay comfortable during their flights, and other healthy travel tips. 
Services on Arrival 
• Members of the alliance have agreements in place that allow passengers to earn miles toward elite status, as well as redeem miles, with every SkyTeam airline.
• Frequent flyers are able to obtain Multi-Carrier Awards, enabling them to use SkyTeam carriers with one single award ticket, and offering travel opportunities for fewer miles than before to many destinations. 
Major Benefits of
Alliance Members:
• Access to 958 destinations worldwide
• Providing easy connections through hubs
• Special services at 470 SkyTeam lounges
• Earn and redeem miles with reduced fares
• Sharing of best practices
For more information visit:
www.skyteam.com