irishguy28

It's not, really

If Joon actually operated any flights under its JN code - in the manner of another AF subsidiary, Transavia France, which sells flights under its own TO code - they would not count as Skyteam flights.

Joon is a "member" only to the extent that it is effectively a wet-lease operator, masquerading as AF mainline (similar to HOP, Regional, Britain, Cityjet, and all the other present and past AF affiliates and subsidiaries)

Goldorak

N830MH

Yeah, we haven't hear any news about new airlines joined Skyteam for more than 4 years. I was hoping VS will eventually to joined SkyTeam.

irishguy28

Delta have filed an application for a new single joint venture, merging their existing DL-VS JV with their other "Skyteam" JV - with AFKL - though Alitalia has been left out.

While they say they would like AZ to join again in the future, it is at least as likely that AZ will end up being bought/cannibalised by a non-Skyteam airline, in which case it may no longer remain in Skyteam; or it may cease to exist (though AZ is the airline that always comes back, like the phoenix from the flames).

As regards VS, there appears no sound commercial reason for them to join Skyteam. That they can participate in the DL/Skyteam TATL JV is more than sufficient for everyone involved. Neither VS nor DL has shown much enthusiasm for having VS go through the rigmarole of applying for Skyteam membership.

olivedel

Remember : Joon is a rooftop bar... And sometimes, an airline (when AF is not striking).

T.A.Music

Why can't Delta let Virgin enter Skyteam? Will they let them after 2019 when AF-KLM entered the Virgin Atlantic scene?

Henry III

Do you have evidence that Delta is blocking Virgin's entry? My understanding (albeit a year or so ago) was that Virgin didn't really want to join an alliance.

-- Henry

Goldorak

Frequentlander

Another candidate is WestJet (WS). DL and WS just entered into a JV for N. America and WS is just about to take delivery of 10 Dreamliners. As yet they are not in any alliance.
So there's that.

Goldorak

Zarmakuizz

Clear candidates are currently Jet Airways, WestJet, GOL and Virgin Atlantic.
This old article mentions that an Iranian airline could be interesting for Skyteam. Looking at the current politics, this will not happen anytime soon.

Goldorak

NOLAnwGOLD

I could see that there would be issues with the lounge access if VS would enter ST, unless they have another contract lounge that would be available and the Clubhouses left for the people with J seats and maybe upper tier elites. I love the access as a DL elite, so really don't want it to change since I'm getting the best of both worlds.

WestJet seems to be a natural partner though it's more low cost in nature at the moment but....

N830MH

I don't think its happening anytime soon. They still in sanction. As long if the US president will removed sanction in near the future.

T.A.Music

So far, our speculation for next new members are: Virgin Atlantic, Jet Airways, GOL, and WestJet. I would love to Air Serbia and Virgin Australia, though, as Air Serbia both codeshare with AFKLM, Air Europa, Alitalia, Aeroflot, and Tarom while Virgin Australia codeshares with Delta, Aeromexico, and Alitalia.

I wonder if we can find a suitable replacement for China Southern, however. Maybe not Hainan but like, Sichuan Airlines is the only suitable candidate so far.

By the way, Skyteam is the only alliance that didn't create their own 'connecting partners' so far. It's been 6 years since they planned to do so, as CAPA said: https://centreforaviation.com/analys...nd-india-83461

If they're finally making one, which airline would join? I think first would be Virgin Australia, Garuda's Citilink and Air France's JOON. WestJet and GOL can be candidates, too, but WestJet somehow is slowly becoming a full-service carrier, so full membership is probably the best for WestJet. Would be a gag-worthy if we can bring JetBlue to the alliance, though!