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Sky Team to induct four interim members
Current members are Korean Air, Delta, Air France, Aeromexico, Alitalia, CSA Czech,
Northwest, Continental and KLM Royal Dutch
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
12 June, 2005: The global alliance of airlines Sky Team has decided to accept four new airlines - Air Europa of Spain, Kenya Airways of Kenya, Copa Airlines of Panama and Tarom of Romania – as part members. The top executives of nine Sky Team member airlines announced the decision after a governing board meeting held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The interim induction could be extended to a full membership if the airlines secure quality flight operations and services the end of 2006. This would increase the number of Sky Team members to 13 and the alliance would have expanded networks to Europe, South America and Africa.
The quasi-membership system, a newly-rolled out programme, is to offer airlines that do not fully satisfy the conditions to become a regular Sky Team member with the opportunity to join the alliance.
However, the airlines would not have decision-making rights in Sky Team’s operation, but could take part in its major programmes like sharing mileage, lounges and code-sharing.
Sky Team launched the joint service in June 2000 with Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, Air France and Aeromexico as its founding members. Alitalia and CSA Czech Airlines joined the team in 2001, and Northwest Airlines, Continental Airline and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines joined in 2004.
The nine members currently operate 15,000 flights per day to 658 cities in 133 countries, carrying 343 million passengers per year.
The alliance has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accept Aeroflot Russian International Airline and China Southern Airlines as new members.
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