The SkyTeam alliance is the youngest of the world's three commercial airline alliances. However, it has still attained a nearly global reach through its 19 airline members, both small and large. At its pre-pandemic high in 2019, SkyTeam member airlines operated more than 14,500 daily flights, bringing the alliance's annual passenger numbers to over 630 million.

A brief history of SkyTeam

In the summer of 1999, Air France and Delta Air Lines signed an "exclusive long-term strategic agreement" that would lay the foundations for a major global alliance. Exactly one year later, in New York, the CEOs of Aeroméxico, Air France, Delta Air Lines, and Korean Air met to announce the formation of the SkyTeam airline alliance.

In the following five years, the alliance would see other major airlines join its ranks, including Alitalia (in 2001) and KLM (in 2004). Since then, SkyTeam has expanded its worldwide reach, adding member airlines from Africa, the Middle East, and South America.

A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 taking off.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

Today, the alliance boasts 19 member airlines, the newest being Virgin Atlantic, which joined in March 2023. This would have brought the number of airlines in the alliance to 20, but Aeroflot was suspended in April 2022 as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.

As with the world's other major alliances, oneworld and Star Alliance, it is not unusual to see SkyTeam member airlines operating aircraft in special liveries, showcasing their membership.

SkyTeam's strengths and weaknesses

Some of SkyTeam's largest member airlines, such as Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, and China Eastern Airlines, provide the alliance with a global reach through their respective hubs. Codeshare agreements allow passengers to connect seamlessly between carriers.

Delta Air Lines serves cities all over the US and Canada and also has a significant presence in Europe, South America, and Asia. Air-France-KLM and ITA Airways cover the highly competitive European market well, with smaller carriers such as Czech Airlines and TAROM filling in any gaps.

Air France and KLM aircraft parked side by side.
Photo: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock

Africa is well-served, too, with Air France and KLM operating flights to numerous destinations across the continent, including Dakar (DSS), Accra (ACC), and Johannesburg (JNB). Within Africa, Kenya Airways connects travelers through its Nairobi (NBO) hub. It is worth noting that while SkyTeam's coverage in Africa is a huge step above anything the OneWorld alliance offers, Star Alliance covers much more of Africa, thanks mainly to EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines.

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In the Middle East, both Saudia and Middle East Airlines joined SkyTeam in 2012. While their membership gives SkyTeam a reasonable presence, it still pales in comparison to the region's three dominant carriers - Emirates, Qatar Airways (a member of oneworld), and Etihad Airways.

A Saudia Airbus A330 about to be pushed back from the gate.
Photo: Nicolas Economou | Shutterstock

SkyTeam's presence is weaker throughout South America and Oceania too. This is due, in part, to Aerolíneas Argentinas' relatively southern geographical focus, which makes it less ideal as a hub to connect cities across the continent. In Oceania, the two largest carriers already belong to rival alliances - Qantas is a oneworld member, whereas Air New Zealand is part of the Star Alliance.

SkyTeam member airlines

A complete list of SkyTeam member airlines (in alphabetical order) with their joining dates, is shown below:

  • Aerolíneas Argentinas - August 2012
  • Aeroméxico - June 2000
  • Air Europa - September 2007
  • Air France - June 2000
  • China Airlines - September 2011
  • China Eastern Airlines - June 2011
  • Delta Air Lines - June 2000
  • Garuda Indonesia - March 2014
  • ITA Airways - October 2021
  • Kenya Airways - September 2007
  • KLM - September 2004
  • Korean Air - June 2000
  • Middle East Airlines - June 2012
  • Saudia - May 2012
  • TAROM - June 2010
  • Vietnam Airlines - June 2010
  • Virgin Atlantic - March 2023
  • XiamenAir - November 2012

The future of SkyTeam

When ITA Airways joined SkyTeam in October 2021, it became the alliance's first new member airline in over seven years. It has since added Virgin Atlantic, but may lose Air Europa, should oneworld member Iberia take over the carrier.

A LATAM Airbus A320neo taxiing to the runway.
Photo: Thiago B Trevisan | Shutterstock

The world of commercial airline alliances will always continue to shift and evolve. In terms of potential future member airlines, LATAM would be a strong candidate since Delta Air Lines acquired a 20% stake in the carrier. This would offer SkyTeam increased connectivity across South America. With the noticeable gap in services throughout Oceania, and Virgin Australia currently not associated with an alliance, it would be a reasonable choice for SkyTeam's future expansion in the region.

Do you travel regularly with SkyTeam member airlines? Which carriers do you see joining the alliance in the future? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.

  • Air France (SkyTeam Livery) Boeing 777-328(ER) F-GZNE
    SkyTeam
    Business Type:
    Airline Alliance
    Date Founded:
    2000-06-22
    CEO:
    Kristin Colvile
    Headquarters Location:
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands