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(CPV) - SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, has just formally welcomed the national airline of Argentina - Aerolíneas Argentinas - as its 18th member.
It is the first South American member, adding 40 new destinations to the SkyTeam network.
The Alliance will continue to focus on this continent. Its founding members Delta and Aeroméxico are significant players in the Latin American market and are leading the way in terms of finding new opportunities in this region. Delta has expanded its cooperation with Brazil’s GOL and Aeroméxico, by building ground-breaking commercial agreements. These will pave the way for further opportunities for SkyTeam and customers.
“It is a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen our South American network. With the rapidly growing demand for travel to South America and Argentina, Aerolíneas Argentinas adds real value to our alliance by opening up extensive business and leisure travel opportunities for our customers”, said Mr Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam’s Managing Director.
Joining SkyTeam is a major achievement in Aerolíneas Argentinas’ long-term restructuring plan. Key elements of this plan include fleet renewal and network rationalization, upgrading the entire IT platform, improving product quality and enhancing the frequent flyer program Aerolíneas Plus.
SkyTeam will allow Aerolineas to virtually expand its relatively small and highly unprofitable international network as the carrier aims to quickly start codesharing with several current and prospective members.
It operates services to 52 destinations in 14 countries from its two hubs at Buenos Aires, including a comprehensive domestic network of 35 destinations within Argentina itself. These include popular tourist attractions such as: the Patagonian capital of Ushuaia, the spectacular Iguazu falls, the world-renowned wine producing region of Mendoza, as well as the industrial centers of Córdoba and Rosario.
In the Latin America and Caribbean region, the addition of Aerolíneas increases SkyTeam’s share of capacity from 9% to 12%.
Customers traveling on SkyTeam’s Go Round the World pass now benefit from even more seamless travel throughout six continents. Aerolíneas Argentinas operates direct flights from Buenos Aires to Sydney, meaning for the first time customers can fly non-stop between South America and Australia as part of a SkyTeam Round the World itinerary.
SkyTeam passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers over 520 lounges worldwide. So far, the eighteen members are: Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM and Vietnam Airlines.
Founded in 1950, Aerolíneas Argentinas is one of the leading South American carriers, operating flights to 35 destinations in Argentina, flying to more cities in the Argentine territory than any other airline. It has 57 aircrafts, comprising 11 Airbus 340, 26 Boeing 737-700/800 and 20 Embraer 190./.
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