Aeroflot Opens Exclusive Discussions With a View to Membership in SkyTeam
26 Mayo 2004 - 12:26PM
PR Newswire (US)
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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