Originally Posted by ALEXIS2004
This has been in the making since 2004. The CEO of MEA had declared two years ago that they would join Skyteam in 2005 and then all went quiet until today. AF has been the main backer of MEA for joining Skyteam.
The two companies work very closely on the BEY-CDG route with three flights/day. Note that the BEY-CDG is the second highest profitable route in the AF network.
Lebanon is one of the only countries in the world which has more citizens living overseas (10million people) than living in the country (4 million) and thus has a very heavy traffic from America/Africa/Europe especially through CDG (due to being a "francophone" country)
The reason MEA didnt join earlier is because they are offered "associate" membership... meaning:
As an associate member, MEA will have to shut down CedarMiles and adopt AirFrance's FlyingBlue. This is a disaster on different levels.
1- MEA will no longer have access to valuable customer data that shows who and what its most valuable customers do
2- MEA will have no say in any SkyTeam decision, they do not even have a vote!
3- MEA is bound to "consult" with Big Sister Air France before starting or changing any new service as an associate member; however the reverse is not true.
I am not sure what changed?! probably RJ joining OneWorld...