SkyTeam Named 2005 Best Airline Alliance

Readers of Global Traveler Magazine choose alliance in annual survey.

NEW YORK, January 6, 2006 – Today SkyTeam was named the 2005 Best Airline Alliance by Global Traveler Magazine. Selected by the magazine’s readers in an annual reader’s survey, Global Traveler cited the alliance’s growth in terms of member airlines and route network over the past year as a key factor for receiving this recognition. SkyTeam will be recognized at a luncheon at the Grand Hyatt in New York on January 17, 2006.
“SkyTeam values its passengers and is focused on delivering the highest level of customer experience in the industry,” said Dominique Patry, chairman of the SkyTeam Steering Committee and vice president, International Affairs and Alliances at Air France. “This award supports the SkyTeam value proposition and we are honored that our customers recognize our industry-leading efforts. We look forward to continuing to provide the quality service our customers have come to expect. ”
Rising to number one this year from second place in 2004, SkyTeam attributes its ability to best serve business and leisure travelers to its continued focus on providing the utmost in worldwide connectivity and customer service in preferred hubs across the globe. Over the past sixteen months, SkyTeam has taken steps to strengthen its offering to its passengers.
In September 2004, SkyTeam added new members Continental Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Northwest Airlines, bringing its membership to nine carriers and giving more passengers access to the highest quality service to 684 destinations in 133 countries worldwide. Last year, SkyTeam announced the launch of an Associate Program, which will initially include Air Europa of Spain, Copa Airlines of Panama, Kenya Airways of Kenya and Tarom of Romania. With the added carriers, the alliance’s expanded network better serves passengers’ needs, making SkyTeam the alliance of choice for more travelers.
“Averaging about 32 roundtrip flights per year, Global Traveler readers make up part of the core business and frequent travel market,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler. “This market benefits from the expanded worldwide access SkyTeam offers as a result of the alliance’s significant growth – in terms of members and network – over the past year. This growth, along with the individual recognition CSA Czech Airlines and Air France received in this year’s survey helped SkyTeam win 2005 Best Airline Alliance.”
Global Traveler Magazine surveyed 4,839 readers from February 1 – August 31 with open-ended questions assessing opinions of the most superior performers in 38 categories related to business and luxury travel. For more information on survey methodology, visit www.globaltravelerusa.com.
Planning to accept the award on behalf of SkyTeam are Paul Matsen, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Delta Air Lines, and Mr. Patry.
About SkyTeam
SkyTeam is the global airline alliance partnering nine members, including Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. Through one of the world’s most extensive hub networks, SkyTeam offers its 343.6 million annual passengers a worldwide system of more than 15,000 daily flights covering all major destinations. Visit SkyTeam on the Web at www.skyteam.com.

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