SkyTeam, the airline alliance spearheaded by Air France and Delta Air Lines, welcomed on Thursday a bid by Russia’s Aeroflot to become a member but said several hurdles still stood in the way.
“Given Aeroflot’s extensive hub network and existing bilateral relationships with two SkyTeam members, the carrier is a natural candidate for membership in SkyTeam,” said Dominique Patry, vice president of alliances and international affairs at Air France.
In a statement SkyTeam said that Aeroflot membership depended on the Russian government and on the airline’s fulfillment of quality standards required for all SkyTeam members.
Officials at Aeroflot were not immediately available for comment.
In addition to Air France and Delta, SkyTeam includes Aeromexico, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines and Korean Air.
Dutch airline KLM, which is being taken over by Air France, is also due to join the alliance.
By: Mark L - 31st January 2004 at 11:40
I don’t really think that they will ever go to a fully “western” fleet of aircarft. The IL96 is still on order for them and is running well on many of their routes, but also don’t forget that an Airbus or a Boeing could never operate the same routes as the TU154s and TU134s simply due to the lack of durability on some of SUs less desirable routes becasuse of the terrain and climate that is Russia.
By: steve rowell - 31st January 2004 at 08:34
Aeroflot used to fly to Sydney many years ago using ll62s, but pulled out because of low yields
By: KabirT - 31st January 2004 at 07:08
Aeroflot wont find good business in Australia. ANd they do have a respectable serve into the Asian markets. Although yes by simply introducing wester aircraft wont help them, they should sincerely improve there inflight service and entertainment systems.
By: dartie - 30th January 2004 at 14:17
Yes that is good news but now Aeroflot should look upon improving fleet, by westernising it to either boeing or airbus or both and to get rid of the older aircraft/russian aircraft and to improve their inflight services by introducing better entertainment, and class seating and also add more destinations such as routes to Australia and Asia!
By: KabirT - 30th January 2004 at 06:51
Good news…… will help Skyteam tap into some useful territories in Asia. Good for Aeroflot too, exposures like this will definately help them to improve.
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January 30, 2004 at 1:28 am