Amstelveen,
21
November
2012
|
09:30
Europe/Amsterdam
SkyTeam Welcomes Xiamen Airlines
19th member strengthens SkyTeam’s #1 position in Greater China
Summary
SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, today welcomes China’s Xiamen Airlines as its 19th member. Xiamen Airlines is also the fourth member from Greater China. The airline strengthens SkyTeam’s footprint in China and its overall #1 position in the Greater China Region by adding three new hubs - Xiamen, Fuzhou and Hangzhou – combined with a comprehensive domestic and growing international network.
“
By joining SkyTeam, Xiamen Airlines opens up the world to its passengers. And today we also strengthen SkyTeam’s footprint in China. Greater China remains a priority region for our alliance. Xiamen Airlines will join our members China Southern, China Eastern and China Airlines in developing customer-focused initiatives for the region.”
Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam’s Managing Director.
Membership of SkyTeam will enable us to deliver enhanced customer benefits as we diversify and grow our network and this is key to the success of our new international routes. Our passengers can anticipate exciting new destinations while we look forward to a future of cooperation with our alliance partners.
Che Shanglun, President and CEO of Xiamen Airlines
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China’s sixth largest carrier, Xiamen Airlines is also one of the world’s most profitable, having posted positive financial results for 26 consecutive years. The airline flies more than 15 million passengers annually to more than 50 cities including Macau, Hong Kong and Taipei. Founded in 1984, it is headquartered in the coastal city of Xiamen in the dynamic province of Fujian. This area of China boasts a thriving and diverse industrial economy as well as a growing tourism market.
Xiamen Airlines’ fast expanding international network includes Southeast and Northeast Asia and the airline has announced plans to launch flights to Europe, North America and Australasia by 2014 after the introduction of Boeing 787. SkyTeam membership offers Xiamen Airlines’ customers greater connectivity onto international routes from China operated by other alliance members. This includes carriers from the region: China Airlines, China Eastern and China Southern, and eight additional SkyTeam airlines: Aeroméxico, Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Delta, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air and Vietnam Airlines.
In keeping with SkyTeam’s focus on enriching the customer experience, Xiamen Airlines has also started rolling out SkyPriority, SkyTeam priority airport services for SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers worldwide. Effective immediately, Xiamen Airlines’ customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on services operated by all SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on Xiamen Airlines-operated flights.
SkyTeam passengers traveling to China will be able to fly on Xiamen Airlines flights as part of SkyTeam’s Go Round the World and Go Greater China Passes, giving them even more options to enjoy flexible, cost-effective travel globally and throughout the region.
For more information:
SkyTeam
Corporate Communications
T: +31 (0)20 333 3064
E: media@skyteam.com
Boilerplate
About KLM
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.
In the Netherlands, KLM comprises the core of the KLM Group, which further includes KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 33,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of enthusiasm and sustainable innovation.
KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects the Netherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy.
About SkyTeam
SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive worldwide network offering more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers access to over 490 lounges worldwide.
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About Xiamen Airlines
Xiamen Airlines, based in Southeastern China and established on July 25, 1984, operates over 220 routes from its main hubs in Xiamen, Fuzhou and Hangzhou, covering most major and medium-sized cities in Greater China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) as well as main cities in Southeast and Northeast Asia. Xiamen Airlines is the only Chinese airline who operates a fleet of solely Boeing aircraft. Currently the airline operates a fleet of 86 aircraft, carrying 15.2 million passengers. According to the next five-year plan, by 2015 Xiamen Airlines will own 136 aircraft (including 6 B787s), carrying over 30 million passengers. Xiamen Airlines is full member of the SkyTeam alliance since November 2012. www.xiamenair.com