Airline Coalition: SkyTeam, Often Recognized as the Youngest Among the Major Trios
Airline Alliance: SkyTeam - A Journey Through the Skies
Step into the world of SkyTeam, one of the major global airline alliances, as we take you on a journey through its fascinating history and current membership. Established in 2000, this alliance has faced its fair share of ups and downs but has remained a dominant player in the industry.
SkyTeam - Born to Soar
On the 22nd of June, 2000, SkyTeam was formed in New York City by four pioneering airlines: Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico, Air France, and Korean Air. The alliance initially provided over 6000 daily flights in 98 countries with 451 destinations. By the end of the year, SkyTeam Cargo, a cargo alliance, was created as well.
Further expansion came in 2001, with new members such as Czech Airlines and Alitalia joining the alliance. The 2000s saw continuous growth, with updates to SkyTeam's website, the addition of Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, KLM, Air Europa, Copa Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
In 2009, Continental Airlines and Copa Airlines departed from SkyTeam, joining Star Alliance soon after. But this period was not without its gains as Vietnam Airlines signed a preliminary agreement to join the alliance. Marie-Joseph Malé was named the new managing director, and upgrades were made to the membership program.
The Expanding SkyTeam Family
On its 10th anniversary in 2010, SkyTeam welcomed Air Europa, Kenya Airways, and TAROM as full members. The alliance then entered a new phase of expansion, with Saudi Arabian Airlines (now Saudia) becoming the first carrier to enter SkyTeam as a member in 2011. ITA Airways joined in 2021, further strengthening the alliance.
The SkyTeam we know Today
The Pioneers
- Aeroméxico
- Air France
- Delta Air Lines
- Korean Air
Today's Fleet
- Aeroflot
- Aerolíneas Argentinas
- Air Europa
- China Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Czech Airlines (until 2024)
- Garuda Indonesia
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Middle East Airlines
- Saudia
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- XiamenAir
The Past
- Alitalia (Left in 2020)
- China Southern Airlines (Left in 2006)
- Continental Airlines (Left in 2010, joined Star Alliance)
- Northwest Airlines (Left in 2010, merged with Delta Air Lines)
SkyTeam continues to grow and evolve, catering to the needs of its passengers worldwide. With over 3000 aircraft and serving 630 million passengers annually in 175 countries and over 1150 destinations (as of 2023), SkyTeam remains an essential part of the global airline industry.
Sources:
- Anon. (n.d.), SkyTeam, Wikipedia, Retrieved 15 January 2022
- Mark Finlay (1 January 2022), Which Airlines Are In The SkyTeam Alliance?, Simple Flying, Retrieved 15 January 2022
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