Aeroflot Opens Exclusive Discussions With a View to Membership in SkyTeam MOSCOW, May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On Monday in Moscow, the President of Aeroflot, Valery Okulov, and Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Chairman of Air France, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake exclusive discussions to pave the way for the Russian flag-carrier to join the SkyTeam alliance, most probably in 2005. During the ceremony, Valery Okulov declared: "The prospect of joining one of the world's three leading airline alliances opens up new development opportunities for Aeroflot. As we speak, our airline is initiating the process that will enable it to meet SkyTeam's requirements in terms of service quality and organization. We are proud and happy to be laying the groundwork for our membership in the best of the alliances." Speaking on behalf of the SkyTeam airlines -- Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air -- Jean-Cyril Spinetta responded, "Two years ago, we indicated that we were prepared to open discussions to prepare for Aeroflot's membership in the alliance. That time has now come, in view of all that Aeroflot has done to implement standards of excellence. For my part, I am convinced that the negotiations we are undertaking will be crowned with success." Aeroflot has achieved a great deal in terms of quality of service. The Russian carrier's organization has been reviewed in the light of international standards. It has forged ties with several major international carriers. In July 2002, Air France and Aeroflot concluded a bilateral agreement to code- share flights between Paris and Moscow. This agreement will be extended to flights between Moscow and Nice next July (subject to government approval). Furthermore, Aeroflot and SkyTeam member CSA Czech Airlines offer customers code-shared flights between Prague and Moscow. Eventually, other similar agreements will be signed with SkyTeam members on other routes via the alliance's hubs and Moscow-Sheremetyevo. Aeroflot will be offering SkyTeam customers a modernized fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, updated Russian planes and a wide-ranging network in Russia and its neighbouring countries. Aeroflot passengers, in turn, will have access to the 500 SkyTeam destinations throughout the world. All these new destinations will be served by flights out of Moscow. They will also benefit from harmonized frequent flyer programmes, access to SkyTeam lounges, and much more. Moscow-based Open Joint Stock Company Aeroflot-Russian Airlines (RTS: AFLT) was established in 1923. Nowadays it is the biggest international and domestic air carrier in Russia. The Russian State owns 51% of Aeroflot. It flies passengers and cargo to 88 destinations in 42 countries accounting for 39% of international and 11% of domestic Russia's air travel. In 2003, Aeroflot carried 5.8 million passengers, posting a net profit of 4.0 billion rubles (in accordance with the Russian Accounting Standard: 1 euro = 34.8 rubles). Aeroflot has the most numerous in Russia (92 aircraft) fleet of Airbus, Boeing and modernized Russian built aircraft. By the year 2007 Aeroflot plans to build its own terminal in Sheremetyevo airport. For further information, visit the websites at http://www.aeroflot.ru/ , http://www.aeroflotbonus.ru/ . The SkyTeam alliance was set up in June 2000. It carries 212 million passengers yearly, thanks to 7,600 flights each day to over 500 destinations worldwide. For further information, visit the website at http://www.skyteam.com/ . Press relations: Veronique Brachet Lev Koshliakov Air France Press Relations Aeroflot Public Relations +331 41 56 56 00 +7 095 752-9071 http://www.airfrance.com/corporate http://www.aeroflot.ru/ DATASOURCE: Air France CONTACT: Veronique Brachet, Air France Press Relations, +331-41-56-56-00; Lev Koshliakov, Aeroflot Public Relations, +7-095-752-9071 Web site: http://www.skyteam.com/ http://www.airfrance.com/corporate http://www.aeroflot.ru/ http://www.aeroflotbonus.ru/

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