SkyTeam Invites CSA Czech Airlines To Join Global Alliance; Aeromexico, Air France, Delta and Korean Air Sign Agreement With CSA To Bring Expanded Worldwide Services To Passengers

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance formed In June by Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air, today announced they have signed an agreement for CSA Czech Airlines to join SkyTeam beginning in April, 2001.

"We are very pleased to welcome a new partner next April," said Air France Chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta, speaking on behalf of the SkyTeam carriers.

"With the arrival of CSA Czech Airlines, alliance customers will benefit from additional service advantages. The synergy of the Prague and Paris hubs will enable SkyTeam to offer customers frequent and convenient services between Europe’s most densely populated regions and the rest of the world, particularly the U.S."

CSA flew more than 2 million passengers in 1999 and currently serves 62 international destinations with a fleet of 28 modern aircraft. CSA generated a net profit of US$2.8 million in 1999.

In commenting on the announcement, Paul Matsen, Delta’s senior vice president - International & Alliances, said, "The SkyTeam route network today is concentrated in the most competitive markets where nearly 80 percent of airline travelers want to fly. In fact, SkyTeam already offers customers more connections and the most non-stop destinations between the United States and Europe, the most heavily traveled corridor in the world. CSA Czech Airlines will bring our customers an excellent network serving Central and Eastern Europe from its modern hub in Prague. This hub network, and all of our routes, offers travelers the option to go from virtually anywhere in the world, to anywhere else in the world."

Convenient air travel to more destinations

The CSA hub in Prague, in the heart of central Europe, will join one of the most efficient hub systems in the world, enabling SkyTeam customers to significantly increase their connecting opportunities and flight frequencies. The SkyTeam route system presently covers all the major destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, where nearly 80 percent of the world’s traffic flies.

In addition, the alliance is well positioned for future growth in flights and facilities. Air France’s hub in Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Seoul’s new Inchon Airport, a future hub for Korean Air, are two of the few major hub airports in the world with room to expand. The possibility of adding runways and gates - and therefore flights - in such critical markets will be invaluable for SkyTeam passengers. Delta’s hub in Atlanta is the largest single-airline hub in the world, while Aeromexico’s Mexico City hub is the leading Latin America airport. Starting in April 2001, CSA’s hub in Prague, also scheduled for significantly expansion in the years to come, will further boost the SkyTeam network.

Currently SkyTeam offers over 6,400 daily flights to 451 destinations in 98 countries.

Enhanced sales and check-in services

From ticket offices to new technology, the SkyTeam alliance offers customers many ways to obtain information and assistance. Wherever they are in the world, customers are never more than a few steps away from qualified SkyTeam travel assistance. SkyTeam’s integrated information technology network enables passengers to contact SkyTeam’s 659 airport and city ticket offices or call centers to ascertain flight schedules, service details (such as aircraft type and meal information) and book their flight. Passengers will also be able to find all of this flight information by logging onto www.skyteam.com. CSA will add 56 locations to this total next April, when they become a member of the SkyTeam alliance.

Additional benefits for frequent flyers

Frequent flyers can earn miles when flying any of the partner airlines. These miles can be exchanged for rewards (e.g. tickets on any SkyTeam airline). Furthermore, top-tier flyers on each of the alliance airlines automatically attain SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status with enhanced benefits. CSA Czech Airlines frequent flyer program OK Plus members will also be able to enjoy all the benefits beginning next year.

Elite and Elite Plus status are supplemental to all member airlines’ current frequent flyer program offerings. SkyTeam Elite members receive priority waitlist for reservations and at the airport, and check in separately. Elite members traveling in first or business class have access to over 265 airport lounges.

Customers with Elite Plus status qualify for all of the aforementioned benefits as well as guaranteed economy-class reservations, priority baggage handling, and access to 265 lounges for their international trips, regardless of travel class.

Last month, SkyTeam announced a cargo alliance to provide shippers with the valuable advantages of a worldwide network. SkyTeam Cargo offers customers a range of harmonized products and top quality standards in terms of sales and service. It also provides optimum coordination of shipments and deliveries to all SkyTeam destinations, thanks to integrated information systems.

SkyTeam relentlessly pursues one objective, which is to provide consistent, high levels of service to all its customers and a network of strategically located hubs in Asia, Western and Central Europe, Latin America and the United States.