Skyteam news

[Pieter C. 5]

Korean Air To Buy 2 More Airbus A380s

 

February 3, 2009

Korean Air said it would buy two additional A380 superjumbo jets from Airbus, bringing its total A380 order to ten.

 

Korean Air said in a filing with the Korea Exchange the additional order for two planes would cost USD$514 million in list price terms.

 

The planes would be delivered in May and June, 2014.

 

Airbus is set to deliver the eight A380s Korean Air ordered earlier between 2010 and 2013.

 

(Reuters)

 

[Pieter C. 5]

KLM Hopes to Purchase Seven More Embraers

 

KLM hopes to purchase seven more aircraft from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, providing the Brazilian development bank issues an export guarantee before the end of May. The normal procedure will need to be shortened to make this possible.

 

KLM President & CEO Peter Hartman clarified this in São Paulo last Monday. He visited Brazil as part of the Dutch VNO-NCW’s trade delegation, joined also by Prime Minister Balkenende and Minister Eurlings of Transport, Public Works and Water Management.

 

On Tuesday, Peter Hartman met with Fred Curado, Embraer’s chief executive. The company specialises in manufacturing regional jet aircraft and began supplying KLM with Embraer 190s last year. Minister Eurlings was optimistic about a possible deal after discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende joined the party – including Peter Hartman – that visited Embraer on Tuesday. Together, they viewed a soon-to-be delivered Embraer aircraft boasting the KLM livery.

 

During the visit, Hartman also found time to take stock of the consequences of flight tax. He explained that so far, its introduction has cost the Netherlands 900,000 passengers who opted to board from airports beyond the border in Belgium and Germany. Hartman expects that scrapping or at the very least, lowering the flight tax will form part of a package of crisis measures cabinet will be discussing in the weeks ahead to boost the economy. “I’d be very surprised if the package doesn’t include such a measure, in whatever form. But, we’ll have to wait and see.”

 

He referred to the findings of a study which will soon be published, showing that the Dutch economy has missed out on revenues of €1.2 billion. At the end of January, the travel industry presented the results of an initial study into the consequences of the new tax, showing damages of the same order.

 

------------------------------------------

 

This will bring the total E190 fleet to 17 !!!

 

 

 

 

[Pieter C. 5]

KLM Cityhopper intends to purchase seven additional EMBRAER aircraft

Additional aircraft to enable replacement Fokker 50

 

In November 2008 KLM Cityhopper started its extensive regional fleet renewal programme with the introduction of the EMBRAER 190. By the end of this year the 15 oldest Fokker 100 aircraft will be replaced by ten E190 aircraft and five younger Fokker 70 aircraft from Régional.

 

The second phase of the fleet renewal is the replacement of 12 Fokker 50 aircraft. The possible purchase of seven additional EMBRAER 190s enables KLC to start the replacement already in early 2010.

 

The plan is to operate the EMBRAER 190 on certain Fokker 70 routes. In turn the Fokker 70 will take over routes from the Fokker 50. The plans will go through pending the outcome of the aircraft financing arrangements.

 

 

[Ken M. 0]

Pieter,

 

Aren't the KLc Embraer E-190 great looking planes?

Spotted PH-EZB on it's 2nd rotation to a cloudy GLA this morning.

 

Got to book a seat on one of these birds soon.

 

Regards,

Ken

[Pieter C. 5]

Pieter,

 

Aren't the KLc Embraer E-190 great looking planes?

Spotted PH-EZB on it's 2nd rotation to a cloudy GLA this morning.

 

Got to book a seat on one of these birds soon.

 

Regards,

Ken

 

Great plane with a great livery !!!

Let me know when you'll visit AMS: we can do some spotting together and I'll be happy to show you around...

[Tamizi Hj Tamby 1]

Uncle Pieter,

 

I've just read about the article of proposed Skyteam jet livery on A.Net;could you please post more details (and photo)here?

 

Thanks a lot!

[Ken M. 0]

I saw the article on A.Net also.

 

If the KLM T7 SKYTEAM livery aircraft is to be painted as illustrated in the thread then I think it is spoilt by the KLM logo at the front of the aircraft.

It just doesn't look right or nice.

I know KLM will want some branding but I'd look at alternative designs.

 

Quite honestly, I'd rather the bird was painted in the regular KLM livery which is so cool.

[Pieter C. 5]

Uncle Pieter,

 

I've just read about the article of proposed Skyteam jet livery on A.Net;could you please post more details (and photo)here?

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Honestly, haven't seen a detailed layout as yet...wonder what they do with the white tail...

Aircraft will be PH-BVD, though, to be delivered in October...

[Wilson Kook 0]

Still no update on MAS and Skyteam?

[mohd sukri abd hamid 0]

Still no update on MAS and Skyteam?

 

 

 

MH going to join skyteam 2010...is comfirm after Vietnam airlines

[Yoong 0]

MH going to join skyteam 2010...is comfirm after Vietnam airlines

 

May I know .... where u got the info from, please?

[Wilson Kook 0]

I'm assuming from Wikipedia, cuz it's stated there that MAS is joining in 2010.

 

Not too sure if it's realiable tho

 

Hope Wikipedia isn't your source!

[Yoong 0]

I'm assuming from Wikipedia, cuz it's stated there that MAS is joining in 2010.

 

Not too sure if it's realiable tho

 

Hope Wikipedia isn't your source!

 

Thank you...I am just asking.

[KK Lee 5]

MH going to join skyteam 2010...is comfirm after Vietnam airlines

 

If ST have VN for South East Asia, why do they need MH?

 

[Yoong 0]

I am not sure about other SkyTeam member....

 

but I don't think MAS meet the standard (no hard feelings).

 

If MAS will join SkyTeam...i think it takes times.....but right now they betul-betul dont meet the standard...

 

For example : Not sure about other SkyTeam member but before CZ join ST a lot of training (example crew and reservation) was given to them.

 

 

anyway......

 

 

[Wilson Kook 0]

Exactly. Why would they need MAS after Vietnam Airlines?

Doesn't make sense at all. But at the same time, look at Star Alliance.

TG and SQ.

Only god knows what they're thinking.

[suadrif 0]

IF skyteam don't want MH, MH could creates her own alliance. although not many great airline left, but being the founder i'm sure MH will get more benefits. just my 2 cents

[Wilson Kook 0]

Who are they gonna try to woo?

Emirates maybe

[suadrif 0]

who knows! under the new advisor, perhaps they could work out something

[jysim 0]

Pardon me for my ignorance, but a quick look at Vietnam Airlines' route shows only minor contribution to Skyteam's S.E. Asia's network and almost nil enhancement in their Aussie/NZ market prescence.

MH has wider coverage for for India/China/SE Asia and also better prescence down south, which, in my own opinion, still makes them attractive for Skyteam.

All MH can do now is cross their fingers and hope Skyteam or oneworld is still interested in them.

[Keith T 2]

Exactly. Why would they need MAS after Vietnam Airlines?

Doesn't make sense at all. But at the same time, look at Star Alliance.

TG and SQ.

Only god knows what they're thinking.

 

And *A is aiming to increase its numbers to 50! I think they might need to create sub-alliances within *A.

Edited May 16, 2009 by Keith T

[Yoong 0]

Just to share something from a magazine (Morning Calm May 2009 issue / KE inflight magazine)

 

Accroding to the magazine

 

SkyTeam Alliance are:

1) Aeroflot

2) AeroMexico

3) Air France

4) KLM

5) Alitalia

6) China Southern

7) Continental Airlines

8 ) Czeh Airlines

9) Delta

10) Korean Air

11) NWA (not printed in the magazine)

 

SkyTeam Associates are:

1) AirEuropa

2) Copa Airlines

3) Kenya Airways

 

CodeShare Partners:

Garuda / LAN airlines / Rossiya Russian Airlines / MH / Vietnam Airlines / Shanghai Airlines / Alaska Airlines / Emirates / Aircalin

/ Uzbekistan Airways / Egypt Air / JAL / China Eastern Airlines / Air China / China Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines

Edited May 20, 2009 by Yoong

[Tamizi Hj Tamby 1]

Just to share something from a magazine (Morning Calm May 2009 issue / KE inflight magazine)

 

Accroding to the magazine

 

SkyTeam Alliance are:

1) Aeroflot

2) AeroMexico

3) Air France

4) KLM

5) Alitalia

6) China Southern

7) Continental Airlines

8 ) Czeh Airlines

9) Delta

10) Korean Air

11) NWA (not printed in the magazine)

 

SkyTeam Associates are:

1) AirEuropa

2) Copa Airlines

3) Kenya Airways

 

CodeShare Partners:

Garuda / LAN airlines / Rossiya Russian Airlines / MH / Vietnam Airlines / Shanghai Airlines / Alaska Airlines / Emirates / Aircalin

/ Uzbekistan Airways / Egypt Air / JAL / China Eastern Airlines / Air China / China Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines

 

Some additional info here:

-CO will leave Skyteam on October 2009

 

From Skyteam website:

 

SkyTeam Provides Updates on the Departure of Continental and Copa Airlines

 

 

As has been shared previously, SkyTeam member Continental Airlines and Associate Airline Copa Airlines have made the business decision to depart SkyTeam this autumn. Alliance members are working closely to ensure the transition is handled in a timely and responsible manner and that minimal changes occur to the standard SkyTeam passenger experience during the transition period.

 

SkyTeam is committed to ongoing communication with passengers to alleviate uncertainty and maintaining open lines of communication.

 

Following are answers to some frequently asked questions from our passengers.

 

Q: Is October 24, 2009 Continental’s confirmed departure date? Is Copa Airlines departing on the same day?

 

A: Yes, both Continental Airlines and Copa Airlines will exit SkyTeam following their last scheduled flights on October 24, 2009. After this date, both Continental and Copa will no longer be SkyTeam members.

 

Q: What happens on October 24, 2009?

 

A: In addition to being Continental’s and Copa’s last day with SkyTeam, October 24, 2009 is the last day:

 

For SkyTeam customers to earn frequent flyer miles on Continental/Copa operated flights or for OnePass members to earn miles on other SkyTeam member-operated flights: Frequent flyer members will continue to earn miles on all eligible flights through October 24, 2009.

 

For SkyTeam customers to redeem frequent flyer miles on Continental/Copa operated flights or for OnePass members to redeem miles on other SkyTeam member-operated flights: Award itineraries booked and ticketed on or before October 24, 2009 will be valid for one year from the date of issue.

 

For SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status to be recognized by Continental/Copa or for OnePass Silver, Gold and Platinum members to have their status recognized as SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus: Frequent flyer members will have their elite status recognized on all flights through October 24, 2009.

 

For reciprocal lounge access: Eligible SkyTeam passengers, including SkyTeam Elite Plus members, can access Continental’s 26 Presidents Clubs through October 24, 2009. Eligible Continental and Copa passengers, including OnePass Platinum Elite members, can access the more than 400 other SkyTeam member airline lounges through October 24, 2009.

 

Q: What is happening now to prepare for October 25, 2009?

 

A: SkyTeam has teams working on the transition process. Most of the work is happening “behind the scenes.” For example, teams are working on IT issues, as well as phasing out codeshares between Continental and other SkyTeam members. As a few codeshares are phased out, passengers booking tickets may notice some difference in flight options, but otherwise will experience few “front of the scene” changes in the interim. Copa Airlines will maintain its codeshare agreements with KLM and Aeroméxico.

 

Q: If I belong to another SkyTeam member frequent flyer program how long will I be able to earn miles on SkyTeam partners? Redeem miles for award tickets? Have my status recognized?

 

A: Frequent flyer members will continue to earn miles and have their elite status recognized on all Continental and Copa flights through October 24, 2009. Award itineraries booked and ticketed on or before October 24, 2009 will be valid for one year from the date of issue.

 

Q I have an award ticket on Continental using miles from another SkyTeam member airline frequent flier program. Will my ticket still be valid?

 

A: Yes, award itineraries booked and ticketed on or before October 24, 2009 will be valid for one year from the date of issue. Passengers may continue to book award tickets through October 24, 2009 for travel through October 24, 2010.

 

Q: If I am a OnePass member, can I transfer my existing OnePass miles to another SkyTeam member airline program?

 

A: No, OnePass miles are not transferable to another program. Except in certain circumstances, frequent flyer miles are generally not transferable from one airline frequent flyer program to another.

 

Q: How do other SkyTeam airlines plan to serve destinations currently served solely by Continental or Copa?

 

A: SkyTeam has a robust route network and only a small number of destinations served by Continental and Copa are not currently served by another member airline. For example, Aeroméxico, Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM serve multiple Latin American destinations from North America and Europe. In addition, SkyTeam members continue to explore options such as new service, and as a whole, the alliance is considering new members in Latin America and the Asia Pacific region to provide more options for our passengers.

 

Q: What else should passengers be aware of?

 

A: SkyTeam has teams working behind the scenes on the transition. In the short-term, changes to the standard passenger experience will be minimal. SkyTeam will provide updates and additional information as it becomes available.

 

Q: What else is going on with SkyTeam?

 

A: Although SkyTeam has teams working on the transition to ensure it is handled in a timely and responsible manner, the alliance is also focused on new and exciting initiatives such as:

 

The finalization of the new centralized structure following the appointment of managing director Mr. Marie-Joseph Malé on April 1, 2009

 

Working with Vietnam Airlines as it continues progress toward full membership into the alliance

 

Planning for the opening of the first level of SkyTeam’s co-branded lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 in June 2009

 

SkyTeam customers in the U.S. and globally will continue to enjoy the high-quality service they have come to know and expect from SkyTeam alliance members during and after this transition.

 

 

(Apologies if the additional info given are inaccurate)

Edited May 22, 2009 by Tamizi Hj Tamby

[Isaac 0]

Who are they gonna try to woo?

Emirates maybe

Emirates has previously said they are not interested in joining any alliance.

 

[Pieter C. 5]

Just to share something from a magazine (Morning Calm May 2009 issue / KE inflight magazine)

 

Accroding to the magazine

 

SkyTeam Alliance are:

1) Aeroflot

2) AeroMexico

3) Air France

4) KLM

5) Alitalia

6) China Southern

7) Continental Airlines

8 ) Czeh Airlines

9) Delta

10) Korean Air

11) NWA (not printed in the magazine)

 

SkyTeam Associates are:

1) AirEuropa

2) Copa Airlines

3) Kenya Airways

 

CodeShare Partners:

Garuda / LAN airlines / Rossiya Russian Airlines / MH / Vietnam Airlines / Shanghai Airlines / Alaska Airlines / Emirates / Aircalin

/ Uzbekistan Airways / Egypt Air / JAL / China Eastern Airlines / Air China / China Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines

 

I miss TAROM Romanian Airlines along the lines here...