The rise of SkyTeam has been an impressive achievement. As the alliance approaches its 20th birthday, Paul Eden charts the group’s key milestones so far.
On June 22, 2000 the four founding members of the SkyTeam alliance – Aeroméxico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air – revealed their new partnership at a New York press conference. Set to reach a 20-year milestone this year, today the organisation incorporates 19 airline members carrying – in non-COVID-19 times – 676m passengers across 170 countries.
SkyTeam is the youngest of the ‘big three’ following Star Alliance and oneworld, which launched in 1997 and 1999 respectively. These global groups have helped boost its member revenue-earning opportunities while advancing traveller experience through joined-up booking processes, airport lounge access and loyalty reward schemes.
