SkyTeam NewsFlash - November 2007
SkyTeam, the global airline alliance partnering Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, Copa Airlines, CSA, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines, sets itself apart by offering an exclusive experience for all passengers. Issued monthly, SkyTeam NewsFlash provides media with key updates and insights on alliance activities.
SkyTeam Meets Demand of Winter Travelers
As the Northern Hemisphere winter season approaches, SkyTeam members have expanded their networks, and will now offer passengers service to six new destinations, including: Dundee, Scotland; Surgut, Russia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Muscat, Oman; Mont Tremblant, Quebec and St. Kitts; more than 40 new routes and over 200 new weekly frequencies, spanning five continents.
In Europe, SkyTeam now offers service to Dundee, the fourth largest city in Scotland, via alliance member Air France. Hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Dundee each year will be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles through the SkyTeam network. Known as the City of Discovery, biomedical and technological industries are a staple to the economy and have grown greatly since the 1980s.
In line with IATA’s forecasted European international passenger demand, SkyTeam carriers have increased their frequency to select European destinations by 31 weekly flights, providing customers with greater flexibility when traveling to these business hubs and trendy vacation destinations.
Russian carrier and SkyTeam member Aeroflot has increased its frequencies in the Russian Federation to 67 additional weekly departures. During the winter season, Aeroflot is also adding one new destination to the SkyTeam line up, Surgut. Located along the Ob' River in the West Siberian Plain, Surgurt’s economy is tied to oil-production and the processing of natural gas. Aware of the international travel demand to Eastern Europe, this new destination is just one example of how SkyTeam members are focused on serving emerging and growing air travel markets.
With growth in Asia continuing at a steady pace, SkyTeam now offers alliance passengers 30 new frequencies to a range of destinations across the continent, including 11 additional frequencies in the Middle East. In addition, SkyTeam member Korean Air now serves Chiang Mai – the largest city in northern Thailand. The city’s rich culture and diverse attractions drive thousands of leisure travelers to visit this destination each year.
In the Middle East, SkyTeam now offers service to Muscat, Oman, via alliance member KLM. The economy of Muscat, the capital and largest city in Oman, is largely driven by trade, including petroleum and mother of pearl. Described as “Arabia’s Jewel, " Muscat recently saw a great increase in leisure travel demand.
Also this winter, China Southern Airlines will join the SkyTeam alliance as an official member. China Southern’s membership will bring a significant increase in service offerings to SkyTeam passengers, as 50 new destinations will be added to the alliance’s global network. As the largest carrier in the People’s Republic of China, China Southern will extend SkyTeam’s Asian network, presenting passengers with more options and greater access to the region.
In the Americas, SkyTeam’s service has continued to grow, with members increasing frequencies by more than 60 weekly flights. In the Caribbean, alliance member Delta Air Lines has added St. Kitts to their route offerings, as well as to the alliance’s network. As of December 14, SkyTeam member Continental will serve Mont Tremblant, Quebec, which is also a new destination to the SkyTeam network. These leisure travel spots are ideal for winter family get-a-ways or a singles’ holiday vacation.
SkyTeam is proud to bring new high-quality service offerings to its customers each year and members will continue to expand their network with routes to high-demand destinations in 2008.
For more information on SkyTeam’s worldwide network, please visit www.skyteam.com.
Continental and Delta to Co-locate at BOS
As of November 11, Continental Airlines will re-locate to the Terminal A at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Continental will operate its 23 daily departures out of this terminal, currently occupied by SkyTeam member, Delta Air Lines. Continental customers who are members of the carrier’s Presidents Club program will benefit from the close proximity of the Delta Crown Room lounge.
