Argentinean flag carrier Aerolineas Argentinas is to join the SkyTeam alliance, becoming the group's first South American member.
Aerolineas will sign an agreement by the end of this month to begin the process of joining SkyTeam. It is expected to join the alliance in 2012.
SkyTeam says the addition of Aerolineas is "a significant step towards enhancing the global network of the alliance".
Aerolineas last year began a five-year restructuring plan, under which it plans to renew its fleet and improve and expand its operations.