Tag Archives: SkyTeam

SAS to join the SkyTeam Alliance on September 1

SAS made this announcement:

Today marks an exciting milestone as SkyTeam and SAS have officially signed an Alliance Adherence Agreement (AAA), serving as an important step toward SAS’ official entry into the global airline alliance. SkyTeam and SAS are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all customers. 

From September 1, 2024, SAS will officially become a part of SkyTeam, enriching the alliance with the best access to Scandinavian key hubs. This collaboration will bolster SkyTeam’s global network, offering new destinations, enhanced connectivity, and a more seamless, elevated customer journey for all travellers.

From the moment SAS joins SkyTeam, EuroBonus members will enjoy benefits across most SkyTeam airlines. EuroBonus Silver members will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite level, while Gold and Diamond members will be recognized as Elite Plus. This will offer them access to a network of 750+ airport lounges and SkyPriority services at eight airport touchpoints including priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. 

SAS customers will benefit from easy connectivity across SkyTeam’s network of 1,060+ destinations, which includes their favourites as well as previously unserved cities – particularly across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. SkyTeam and SAS share the vision of providing a valued customer experience through quality products, innovation, and dedicated service.

SkyTeam members serving SAS’ hubs include Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines and Middle East Airlines (MEA).

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

SkyTeam boots (suspends) Aeroflot

SkyTeam and Aeroflot have agreed to temporarily suspend the airline’s SkyTeam membership.

SkyTeam is the alliance dedicated to providing passengers with a more seamless travel experience at every step of their journey. 19 member airlines working together across an extensive global network to welcome 676 million customers each year on more than 15,445 daily flights to 1,036 destinations in 170 countries.

SkyTeam welcomes ITA Airways

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, has welcomed ITA Airways – Italy’s new national carrier – into the alliance, replacing Alitalia. With ITA Airways on board, SkyTeam’s 700 million customers will continue to enjoy seamless connections to key destinations across Italy. 

Alitalia ceased operations on October 14 and left the SkyTeam global airline alliance on the same date. SkyTeam has agreed with Alitalia Loyalty to continue the partnership that will enable the six million members of the MilleMiglia frequent flyer program to earn and redeem miles on selected SkyTeam members’ flights, offering a wealth of opportunities and exclusive services. 

 

Garuda Indonesia defers payments on its loans

Garuda Indonesia Airways Boeing 777-3U3 ER PK-GII (msn 29145) (SkyTeam) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 945220.

Garuda Indonesia has deferred its payments on a three-year loan from its creditors. The airline is seeking suspension of the debt payments in order to avoid bankruptcy.

According to Reuters, the airline is asking for a longer period to repay the loans. According to the government, the flag carrier is in debt of around $4.5 billion and needs to be restructured and downsized in order to survive.

From Reuters:

Garuda Indonesia to seek suspension of debt payments to avoid bankruptcy – CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

From Channel News Asia:

Garuda Indonesia to seek suspension of debt payments to avoid bankruptcy – CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

Top Copyright Photo: Garuda Indonesia Airways Boeing 777-3U3 ER PK-GII (msn 29145) (SkyTeam) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 945220.

Garuda Indonesia aircraft slide show:

 

The last flight of Aerolineas Argentinas Airbus A340 LV-FPV

Aerolineas Argentinas Airbus A340-313 LV-FPV (msn 193) (SkyTeam) MIA (Ariel Shocron). Image: 922449.

By Martin Ortiz, reporting from Argentina

On December 9, 2019, at exactly at 3.38 am, Aerolineas Argentinas Airbus A340-313 LV-FPV landed at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires in the SkyTeam Livery.

The milestone flight was flight AR1133 from Madrid and it was also was the last commercial flight of this plane.

The story of the airframe began in October 2013 when the aircraft came from Iberia where it was flying for 16 years with the registration of EC-GPB.

After the last revenue flight, the aircraft went into maintenance, revision and repair before being returning to the lessor. The day came. On Thursday, December 26, 2019, the A340 flew again but this time without any markings of Aerolineas Argentinas or SkyTeam, only a gray coating covering the fuselage and blue on the tail.

The return flight lasted 2 hours and took place over the province of Buenos Aires. After departing from Ezeiza, the A340 flew over Mar Del Plata at 31,000 ft and Bahia Blanca in the south of the province. Finally the aircraft made a “go-around” on runway 11 and after that landed.

Pilot: Daniel

First Officer: Edgar

Top Copyright Photo: Aerolineas Argentinas Airbus A340-313 LV-FPV (msn 193) (SkyTeam) MIA (Ariel Shocron). Image: 922449.

Aerolineas Argentinas aircraft slide show:

Aerolineas Argentinas aircraft photo gallery:

Garuda Indonesia to launch nonstop London Heathrow – Bali flights

Garuda Indonesia Airways Boeing 777-3U3 ER PK-GII (msn 29145) (SkyTeam) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 945220.

Garuda Indonesia is modifying it London (Heathrow) – Jakarta, Indonesia service to now include a new one-way London (Heathrow) – Denpasar (Bali) flight starting on January 22, 2019.

The return westward flight from Bali will stop at Jakarta.

The new eastward route is over 15 hours. It is also the first nonstop European route to the popular tourist island.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Garuda Indonesia Airways Boeing 777-3U3 ER PK-GII (msn 29145) (SkyTeam) DPS (Pascal Simon). Image: 945220.

Garuda Indonesia aircraft slide show:

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China Southern to leave the SkyTeam alliance

China Southern Airlines Boeing 737-81B WL B-5640 (msn 38918) (SkyTeam) TPE (Manuel Negrerie). Image: 944381.

China Southern Airlines will leave the SkyTeam alliance on January 1, 2019.

SkyTeam issued this statement:

China Southern Airlines has decided not to renew its contract with SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, as of 1 January 2019.

China Southern’s decision reflects its strategic development, the changing trends of the global aviation industry and the evolution of alliances.

SkyTeam and China Southern have agreed to work closely together to ensure a seamless transition for all customers and partners. That process will run throughout 2019 and will complete by the year-end.

Kristin Colvile, SkyTeam CEO, “Network has always been the foundation of SkyTeam. Our new value proposition retains that strong integrated network and combines it with our continued focus on improving customer experience through technology. China Southern has been a valued member of SkyTeam. We respect its decision and wish it well.”

Top Copyright Photo: China Southern Airlines Boeing 737-81B WL B-5640 (msn 38918) (SkyTeam) TPE (Manuel Negrerie). Image: 944381.

China Southern aircraft slide show:

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Delta to launch Detroit – Honolulu service on June 29, 2019

Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332 ER WL N175DZ (msn 29696) (SkyTeam) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 943648.

Delta Air Lines has made this announcement:

Delta customers will have more options to bask in the Aloha spirit beginning next June as new service between Delta’s Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport hub and Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport comes online.

The Detroit-Honolulu route will be served with Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft equipped with 25 fully flat-bed seats in Delta One, 29 seats Delta Comfort+ and 171 seats in the Main Cabin. The onboard experience includes access to Wi-Fi, free personal in-flight seatback entertainment screens and power ports in every seat.

This new service will be available for sale on September 29, 2018 and flights will operate on the following schedule beginning June 29, 2019:

Detroit Wayne County Metro Airport – Honolulu International Airport

Departs Arrives
DTW at 12:00 p.m. HNL at 3:43 p.m.

Honolulu International Airport – Detroit Wayne County Metro Airport

Departs Arrives
HNL at 3:15 p.m. DTW at 6:10 a.m. (next day)

The added service follows the announcement of nonstop service to San Jose, California that begins November 15, 2018. Delta is also planning to expand its service to London-Heathrow from Detroit to twice daily beginning in May 2019. Additional schedule details will be released at a later date.

The new Detroit service marks Delta’s ninth U.S. gateway to Honolulu, joining current core service from Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City and Seattle/Tacoma in addition to seasonal service from New York-JFK, San Francisco and Portland, Ore.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by Delta): Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332 ER WL N175DZ (msn 29696) (SkyTeam) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 943648.

Delta aircraft slide show (Boeing):

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SkyTeam launches a new metasearch tool on its website

Delta Air Lines mad this announcement:

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance has launched a new metasearch tool on its website making it easier for customers to plan and book trips on all 20 member airlines. SkyTeam is the first airline alliance to offer a comprehensive flight search tool that harnesses the full scope of its global network, showing real-time availability, schedule and pricing information across 1,074 destinations with clearly displayed results all in one place.

SkyTeam’s new Find Flights metasearch works in three simple steps: 

  1. The customer enters their dates of travel and itinerary in Find Flights on skyteam.com.
  2. The metasearch aggregates all the flight options for the customer from the 20 member airlines,which are then all displayed on one page.
  3. The customer selects the preferred trip from real-time price, schedule, availability, and routing, and is then redirected to the chosen airline’s website to complete the purchase.

“Find Flights is the most used online function for the millions of unique visitors to our site each year, the majority of whom tell us they want to book travel online with ease,” said Kristin Colvile, SkyTeam’s Chief Executive Officer. “SkyTeam’s latest technology innovation meets customers’ needs by delivering a tool that simplifies searching for flights onlinewhile making it easier to earn Frequent Flyer miles by booking within our alliance.”

SkyTeam’s new metasearch engine is one in a series of technology solutions that have been launched this year alone to enhance the customer experience at every touchpoint. ​

In June, SkyTeam unveiled the SkyLink Digital Spine. The Spine bridges technology differences between members to make it easier for customers to book ancillary products – such as preferred seats – across different airlines on one itinerary.

 

At the airport SkyTeam Rebooking, an industry-leading tool to minimize the inconvenience of flight delays and cancellations is getting customers on their way more quickly. Meanwhile, SkyTeam’s airport maps, available on the free SkyTeam app, are helping customers navigate airports, reducing stress and making their transfers smoother.

For more information visit www.skyteam.com

SkyTeam airlines:

Delta to add more flights between New York-JFK and the Caribbean

Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-832 WL N3765 (msn 30819) (SkyTeam) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 403708.

Delta Air Lines is expanding access between New York-JFK and the Caribbean with a second daily flight to Nassau, The Bahamas, beginning October 1, 2018; new daily service to Kingston, Jamaica, effective December 20, 2018; and new Saturday-only service to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, beginning December 22, 2018.

This winter, Delta will operate up to 145 flights per week to 16 Caribbean destinations from JFK. The new schedules are as follows:

New York (JFK) – Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS)

Flight Number Departs Arrives Frequency
DL494 JFK at 1:45 p.m. NAS at 5:10 p.m. Daily
DL799 NAS at 6 p.m. JFK at 9:10 p.m. Daily

 

New York (JFK) – Kingston, Jamaica (KIN)

Flight Number Departs Arrives Frequency
DL2841 JFK at 7:40 a.m. KIN at 12:05 p.m. Daily
DL2843 KIN at 8 a.m. JFK at noon Daily

 

New York (JFK) – Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP)

Flight Number Departs Arrives Frequency
DL2716 JFK at 8:35 a.m. PAP at 12:50 p.m. Saturdays only
DL2718 PAP at 1:55 p.m. JFK at 5:55 p.m. Saturdays only

Flights to Kingston will operate on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with 16 First Class seats, 36 Delta Comfort+® seats, and 108 Main Cabin seats. Flights to Nassau and Port-au-Prince will operate on Airbus A320 aircraft featuring 16 First Class seats, 18 Delta Comfort+® seats, and 126 Main Cabin seats. Once onboard, all customers on flights from New York to the Caribbean can enjoy complimentary Delta Studio featuring more than 1,000 hours of on-demand in-flight entertainment on individual seatback screens or streamed directly to a laptop, tablet or mobile. There is also free mobile messaging via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, plus optional access to high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft.

Domestic service enhancements build on Delta’s commitment to New York customers

Delta’s new Caribbean service from New York complements a number of recent and upcoming enhancements to the airline’s domestic offerings. From JFK, Delta will launch new daily service to San Jose, Calif., in June, while also growing its Dallas service to three times daily by September and adding an eighth nonstop to Delta’s Atlanta hub, a fifth nonstop to Delta’s Detroit hub and additional increased nonstop frequencies to top business markets including Charlotte, Cleveland,  Indianapolis, Nashville, Norfolk, and Washington, D.C. Service to the West Coast has grown this summer to include four daily flights to San Diego and six daily trips to Seattle, with dedicated Delta One service on select flights to those destinations as well as to Las Vegas. Finally, Delta has increased the number of seats with new Airbus A321 aircraft and renovated Airbus A320s, both of which offer seatback entertainment, on a mix of routes, specifically to destinations across Florida.

At LaGuardia, Delta has added new service to Chattanooga, Tenn., and improved service to business markets including Denver; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Greenville, S.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Madison, Wis., and Omaha. The airline has also expanded its Delta Shuttle service to Chicago-O’Hare with a 15th peak daily flight with larger mainline Boeing 717 aircraft on the route in premium business time channels. Finally, Saturday leisure service from LaGuardia has improved year-over-year with over 20 additional daily Delta departures.

Delta is New York’s largest carrier with more than 500 peak-day departures to more than 130 destinations worldwide from its hubs at LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport — including more destinations from New York State than any other airline. Delta has invested more than $2 billion in New York airport infrastructure over the past seven years and is currently building a new, $3.9 billion, 37-gate facility at LaGuardia. Delta and its more than 10,000 New York-based employees are part of the fabric of the New York community, acting as the official airline of Madison Square Garden, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, Chelsea Piers and the Whitney Museum of American Art. The airline also partners with more than 40 community organizations. In 2018, Delta paid out more than $110 million in profit sharing to its New York employees and contributed one percent of its net income from the previous year to key charitable organizations, including organizations in New York.

Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-832 WL N3765 (msn 30819) (SkyTeam) FLL (Jay Selman). Image: 403708.

Delta aircraft slide show (Boeing):