In its expanding network, Skyteam has closed the gap with the announcement that Saudia and Middle Eastern Airlines have joined their airline alliance. Making the statement in Jeddah, CEO, Mr. Leo van Wijk, Chairman of SkyTeam, emphasised the strategic importance of introducing competition in the Middle East.
The main competitors in the region are Emirates and Etihad and these additions will open the doors for Australians to have more choice in this important economic region.
SkyTeam has welcomed Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia as its 16th member. From its hubs in Jeddah, Riyad and Dammam, Saudia operates a comprehensive network throughout the Arabian peninsula, the Indian subcontinent and northern Africa and adds 52 new destinations to SkyTeam’s global network. During the ceremony in May, Saudia unveiled two aircraft painted in SkyTeam livery – a Boeing B777-200 deployed on routes to Dubai/London/New York and Guangzhou and an Airbus A320 used primarily on routes to Europe and the UAE.
The addition of Middle Eastern Airlines, the 17th member, based in Lebanon means that SkyTeam will offer its passengers a wider access to the Middle East and Western Africa. This new member serves 30 international destinations in Europe, The Middle East and West Africa, with a modern fleet of Airbus A330, A321 and A320 aircraft. Passengers will enjoy luxurious service on the ground and onboard, reflecting the time honored Lebanese traditions of culture and hospitality.
As SkyTeam becomes more active in Australia, a growing network will offer passengers more options and an opportunity for low cost travelling, particularly with the RTW (Round the World) Pass.
Throughout Australia, SkyTeam is planning more organised workshops with travel agents and extra sales calls so that their extensive global connectivity is recognized.
The newly launched SkyPriority offers elite, first and business class passengers priory services at select airports which include check in, baggage drop off and handling, boarding as well as security queues (when possible) and service at transfer desks.
China Southern already offers an alternative route to Europe via Ghangzhou to London, Paris and Amsterdam and was the first Chinese airline to join a global alliance in 2007.
For those travelling through London, the new, very spacious and modern SkyTeam lounge in Terminal 4 Heathrow spans two levels and welcomes all member carriers.
“There is clearly more room for international growth and a need to consolidate international competition” said Rafael Despradel, Country Director, Australia. "Later this year we’ll be adding Aerolineas Argentinas with regular flights non-stop from Sydney to Buenos Aires and as South America increases in popularity with Australians, this addition will offer easy access to Argentina’s capital.” Also joining is Garuda Indonesia flying daily from Sydney to Jakarta and Denpasar.
SkyTeam is also lobbying to get India and Brazil on board which will further expand their network that already offers its 487 million annual customers globally over 14,500 daily flights to 926 destinations in 173 countries.
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