The SkyTeam alliance has finally launched its associate programme for second-tier carriers, with the first members being Spain’s Air Europa, Panama’s Copa, Kenya Airways and Romania’s Tarom. The scheme was initially expected to launch last year, but was delayed as SkyTeam concentrated on the ramifications of the Air France-KLM merger and the entry of US majors Continental and Northwest Airlines.
The four new members will have less say in the governance of the alliance, and will be sponsored by an alliance partner. SkyTeam promises more associate members soon. All will complete an audit in 2006 before officially joining and will merge their loyalty programmes with that of another SkyTeam member, almost certainly the sponsors.
Source: Airline Business