Air Malta and Alitalia have signed a memorandum of understanding to
start the process by which Air Malta will soon join the SkyTeam Alliance as
an associate member.SkyTeam is a major global alliance set up in June 2000
and made up of Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta
Air Lines and Korean Air.Through one of the world's most extensive hub
networks, SkyTeam offers 8,000 daily flights to more than 500 destinations in
144 countries.Apart from benefits to Air Malta such as distribution and
greater market access, SkyTeam associate membership will offer an enhanced
product to Air Malta's passengers including the opportunity of redeeming
frequent flyer miles on SkyTeam member airlines and the use of SkyTeam
business class airport lounges.Air Malta and Alitalia will also jointly
develop a business plan on possible future co-operation including
code-sharing on all routes between Malta and Italy.This development follows
initial discussions last year between Air Malta chairman Louis Grech,
Alitalia chairman Fausto Cerreti and the Italian airline's managing director
Francesco Mengozzi.The memorandum of understanding was signed by Air Malta
Group general manager Joe Cappello and Alitalia vice-president alliances and
international relations Giorgio Callegari.
I still wonder if AI is going to join Skyteam????
Leo/ORD
Email me at KLM_India@yahoo.com or LFutia@aol.com. The choice is yours. Take
your pick! I check both.