SkyTeam was formed in 2000. Why was the alliance created?
It has only been possible to form alliances in the airline sector since the 1990s. Before then, there were too many legal obstacles and cooperation was limited to interlining: selling joint tickets and linking our different booking systems. The founders of SkyTeam – Air France, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air and Aeroméxico – wanted to create a global system of cooperation which has genuine benefits for the client. With a worldwide network of destinations, a high level of quality and a strong focus on customer service, SkyTeam formed under the umbrella of "Caring more about you".

What do you want to achieve as chairman of SkyTeam?
When I was appointed in 2007 I said that I was pleased to take on the job, but that I wanted to follow a very clear program. On the basis of past research undertaken and customer feedback, I drew up three strategic priorities, which we are currently expanding on and will execute.

Can you explain these strategic priorities?
The three strategic priorities respond directly to the wishes and expectations of our customers.

The first thing our customers expect is an expansive network of destinations. We already have that to a large extent, particularly with the recent joining of China Southern, but our reach can be broadened even further. Moving forward, we will continue exploring and identifying strategic regions for new SkyTeam members.

Secondly, our customers want more options to use their miles on other SkyTeam member airlines. For example, we know that customers would like to use their miles from one SkyTeam carrier to upgrade their flight on another alliance carrier. This means devising a sort of common currency so that the miles of the different airlines can be exchanged. We are working hard to get this off the ground.

A third aspect that customers consider important is the facilities at airports. We are exploring the options for doing more together in this respect through a co-location strategy. We want to increase the extent to which we present ourselves jointly as SkyTeam members at various airports. We can do that by, for example, allowing passengers who fly with one SkyTeam member to use the lounges of other partners, or even by setting up joint lounges. We also want to work more closely together in the check-in area, to make check-ins more efficient. Another possibility at some airports is to see whether we can use gates that are close in proximity. That would allow us to create a SkyTeam "wing," making transit easier for passengers. We are hoping that Terminal 4 at London Heathrow can act as a sort of showcase, in which all of these facilities will be available.

What other regions are you currently focusing on?
Currently, we have a strong network in the United States and Europe, two very important markets. With the joining of China Southern Airlines, we now have extensive coverage in China. But in a number of other regions, we can certainly strengthen our network: South-East Asia, for example, but also India and South America, and Brazil in particular. We are currently in discussions with prospective new members in both India and Brazil.

[On a personal note] You have traveled a lot over the years for your work. What is your favorite holiday destination?
To be honest, when it comes to traveling, I'm an omnivore. Traveling around the world, meeting other people and learning about new cultures, that is my number one priority. But if I had to choose a favorite destination, it would be southern Portugal. It has an exceptionally good climate and we have a holiday home there, on a golf course. And I can get there in three hours from Amsterdam. I also spend a lot of time in the Netherlands Antilles. But the most important thing for me is variety. There are still so many places in the world that I would like to see.