SkyTeam’s Airline Partners, Explained
Skift Take
As Asia begins to shake off Covid-19, the SkyTeam alliance will have recovery firmly in its sights.
Founded in 2000, SkyTeam is the youngest of the “Big 3” airline alliances. It combines the networks of 18 member carriers to reach 1,088-plus destinations across 184-plus countries.
The alliance has a big presence in Asia, most notably China, where it has two member airlines. As a result, the prolonged effects of Covid-19 have hurt passenger numbers and revenue in recent years.
Despite this, SkyTeam won “Alliance of the Year” at the Air Transport Awards 2023. It transports 342.1 million passengers annually, according to the alliance’s latest figures.
The SkyTeam alliance is led by CEO and managing director Kristin Colvile out of its head office in Amsterdam. Here’s a brief rundown of its 19 member airlines.
Aerolíneas Argentinas
Home nation: Argentina
Markets served: 57 destinations across 12 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Aerolíneas Plus
Argentina’s flag carrier joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2012. It is the only South American airline in the group, mostly serving the Americas and a small number of European hubs.
Aeromexico
Home nation: Mexico
Markets served: 88 destinations across 25 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Club Premier
A SkyTeam original, Aeromexico is one of Central America’s biggest airlines, operating 600 passenger flights every day. It has an all-Boeing fleet of 100-plus aircraft.
Air Europa
Home nation: Spain
Markets served: 52 destinations across 16 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Suma
Spain’s third-largest airline has been a member of SkyTeam since 2007. With a fleet of 48 aircraft, it operates 5 million annual trips for passengers.
Air France
Home nation: France
Markets served: 195 destinations across 93 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Flying Blue
A giant of air travel, Air France oversees 1,500 daily flights with its impressive 200-plus fleet. The airline is a founding member of SkyTeam, and a member of the Air France-KLM group.
Air France CEO Anne at Skift Forum Europe 2022
China Airlines
Home nation: Taiwan
Markets served: 100-plus destinations in 28 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Dynasty Flyer
Another state-owned flag carrier, China Airlines flies out of Taiwan (the country’s official name is the Republic of China). It transports around 1.3 million people annually.
China Eastern Airlines
Home nation: China
Markets served: 240-plus destinations in 30 countries/territories
Loyalty programme: Eastern Miles
China Eastern Airlines is one of the most successful carriers in the world, making $8.5 billion in sales in 2021. Headquartered in Shanghai, the airline joined SkyTeam in 2011.
Czech Airlines
Home nation: Czech Republic
Markets served: 36 destinations in 22 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: OK Plus
Launched in 1923, Czech Airlines is one of the five oldest airlines in the world. It primarily serves Europe and was the first non-founder to join SkyTeam in 2001.
Delta Air Lines
Home nation: USA
Markets served: 325 destinations in 52 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: SkyMiles
A founding member of SkyTeam, Delta is also the highest-earning airline in the group — the carrier generated $12.7 billion in sales in 2021. It has a huge fleet of over 900 aircraft.
Garuda Indonesia
Home nation: Indonesia
Markets served: 60 destinations in 13 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: GarudaMiles
Indonesia’s flag carrier joined SkyTeam in 2014. It has been awarded “5-Star Airline” status by SKYTRAX, making it one of only ten airlines to achieve this.
Kenya Airways
Home nation: Kenya
Markets served: 46 destinations in 33 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Flying Blue
Kenya’s flag carrier is the only African airline in the SkyTeam alliance, having joined in 2007. The vast majority of its destinations are in Africa.
KLM
Home nation: Netherlands
Markets served: 166 destinations in 69 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Flying Blue
The other half of Air France–KLM, the Dutch flag carrier is the oldest airline in the world (founded in 1919) still in operation. It transports over 14 million people annually with its 200-plus aircraft.
Korean Air
Home nation: South Korea
Markets served: 124 destinations in 44 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: SKYPASS
South Korea’s flag carrier is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance. Besides passengers, its business includes cargo, aerospace, and catering. It is one of ten airlines to achieve SKYTRAX’s “5-Star Airline” award.
Middle East Airlines
Home nation: Lebanon
Markets served: 32 destinations in 22 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Cedar Miles
Lebanon’s flag carrier joined SkyTeam in 2012. It operates routes across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, transporting approximately 1.6 million passengers annually.
Saudia
Home nation: Saudi Arabia
Markets served: 95 destinations in 48 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Alfursan
Saudia joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2012 and was the first airline from the Middle East to become a member. The Saudi Arabian flag carrier transports 33 million passengers annually.
TAROM
Home nation: Romania
Markets served: 26 destinations in 18 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Flying Blue
TAROM became a SkyTeam member in 2010. A relatively small airline, it operates flights to Romania’s main cities, Europe, and some destinations in Africa and the Middle East.
Vietnam Airlines
Home nation: Vietnam
Markets served: 52 destinations in 17 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Lotusmiles
The Vietnamese flag carrier became a member of SkyTeam in 2010. Its 105-plane fleet transports over 6 million passengers annually.
Virgin Atlantic
Home nation: UK
Markets served: 34 destinations in 19 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Flying Club
The newest member of the SkyTeam alliance, Virgin Atlantic joined the group in 2023. Over half of its routes are in the Caribbean and the U.S
Xiamen Airlines
Home nation: China
Markets served: 67 destinations in 21 countries and territories
Loyalty programme: Egret Club
Xiamen became a SkyTeam member in 2012. The carrier has an extensive network across China and Asia, transporting more than 20 million passengers every year.
Jet Stream keeps you ahead of the fast-moving world of global airlines.
Get it in your inbox every Saturday.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive email communication from Skift.