Middle East Airlines joining Skyteam
 

I was looking at Airliners.net tonight and noticed someone posted some information from MEA that they are going to join the Skyteam alliance next year. I did not even realize that they were still in business. Do they still fly 720s?

Actually I believe they now have an all Airbus fleet. A320/A321s and a couple of A330s.

What's MEA ?

Middle East Airlines

Middle East Airlines

Here is said discussion on Airliners.net

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In a previous thread, I quoted an article in Aviation Week and Space Technology that detailed expansion plans for SkyTeam. Many airlines were listed for possible associate membership: Tunis Air, Royal Air Marac and MEA. All have very close financial and operational relationships to Air France. Still in discussions for full fledged membership in ST was Aeroflot. Other carriers were memntioned but seemed more of a "wish" list: Emirates, Singapore and JAL.

MEA expected to sign MOU to join Skyteam
 

http://www.aaco.org/pubnews.asp?id=591&lang=1


http://www.airliners.net/discussions....main/1787367/


So how many are on the list these days?

China Southern
Aeroflot
MEA
Malaysian (yes I know... wishful thinking!)

Good list. You can also add Malev. They are considering an associate membership.

MEA is a great airline---I flew on them many times in the past and have always been very happy with their service.

Middle East Airlines - another winner! :D

"SkyTeam - The Whatevers Leftover Alliance." :D

>
>MEA expected to sign MOU to join Skyteam
>

BTW, WTH?

MEA = Middle East Airlines

MOU = Memorandum of Understanding, often used as a precursor to an actual contract or agreement.

...I was just kidding. (aka j/k).
Unfortunately, my brain is full of all these acronyms.

Thanks for looking out for me Spiff. :)

Far from it. If I was to jump from SkyTeam it certainly wouldn't be to One World given that BA trans atlantic flights can't earn mileage in AA's scheme - ironic given that Delta gets accused of having stupid rules! At least in Skyteam you earn miles and status miles at that if you fly on SkyTeam metal using a SkyTeam ticket.

Another SkyTeam Associate Member: MEA
 

Middle East Airlines, based in Beirut, is apparently headed for associate ST membership. The more, the merrier, I guess!?



http://www.primezone.com/pub/headlines.mhtml?d=92334

http://double6.airfrance.fr/double6/...a?OpenDocument


That makes a long list of aspiring candidates already announced... Kenya, COPA, Tarom, Air Europa, and China Southern. Strongly rumored is Royal Air Maroc, also with very close ties to AF.