SkyTeam - Join dates announced for 2012's new SkyTeam members

SkyTeam anticipates three more new partners coming on line this year and has outlined the dates for their expected joining of the alliance:
On June 28th, Middle East Airlines from Lebanon will be the next member to join SkyTeam. The alliance will welcome two additional members in 2012. Aerolíneas Argentinas is scheduled to join the alliance August 29thas the first South American member, strengthening SkyTeam network in the southern hemisphere. On November 15th, Xiamen Airlines, based in the flourishing Southeast China region, will further consolidate the alliance #1 position in Greater China.

Also pending is Garuda, which will now not be a member until at least 2014, owing to IT upgrades and integration delays. At least that's the official word.

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/thewanderingaramean/2012/06/skyteam-announces-new-member-join-dates/
http://www.skyteam.com/en/About-us/Press/News/20111/SkyTeam-to-accelerate-the-execution-of-customer-focused-initiatives/

It will be nice to have a member from south america.

It will be nice to have a member from south america.

Skyteam is working hard on it (same story for India)

Skyteam is working hard on it (same story for India)

I just hope AR is working hard in becoming a better airline, because at the moment they are terrible with schedule, service and outdated planes.

There have already been some successful redemptions reported on AR domestic flights using DL miles.

Skyteam is working hard on it (same story for India)

Yes, they are doing very well. They work hard for everyday.

I wasn't sure if Air India will ever reconsider to joins Star Alliance or Skyteam.

I certainly hope it's not garuda. Didn't have a good experience with them.

I certainly hope it's not garuda. Didn't have a good experience with them.

Try be more patiently. Give it chance to working on it. Garuda will eventually to joins the SkyTeam.

I certainly hope it's not garuda. Didn't have a good experience with them.

"Didn't" as in how long ago was that? Have you tried Garuda Indonesia lately?

http://www.anna.aero/2012/06/27/middle-east-airlines-joins-skyteam-this-week/

http://www.skyteam.com/en/About-us/Press/News/20111/Middle-East-Airlines-Joins-SkyTeam-/

http://www.mea.com.lb/English/Corporate/Pages/PressDetails.aspx?pressid=97


CJ

"Didn't" as in how long ago was that? Have you tried Garuda Indonesia lately?
They're supposedly a totally different airline now and long past the safety issues they had previously.

They're supposedly a totally different airline now and long past the safety issues they had previously.

I've had only pleasant experiences on them, it's just a shame that their IT transition looks to have held up entry into SkyTeam for another 18 months...

So another airline is joining which i am not allowed to use... great

What do you mean by "not allowed"? Anyone has the right to fly any airline they like, can you please be more specific? :)

Guessing jewish people are not allowed on the Lebanon airline right?

Guessing jewish people are not allowed on the Lebanon airline right?

Why wouldn't Jewish people be allowed on Middle East Airlines or another Skyteam partner?

Being able to book flights, purchase a ticket, board, and fly a carrier is a totally different issue from who may or may not be able to get a visa to enter whatever countries the airline serves.

Merged the thread about MEA joining skyteam into this thread.

ralfkrippner,
forum moderator