SkyTeam Headlines

SkyTeam Carriers Utilize RJ Aircraft To Expand Customer Service
Alliance is the World's Largest Operator of Regional Jet Aircraft

NEW YORK, September 3, 2003 - As SkyTeam begins it fourth year of global service, the six carriers have become the world's leading airline alliance operating regional jet aircraft, providing customers with service in markets where passenger traffic cannot adequately support large jet aircraft.

On a global basis, SkyTeam carriers operate more than 40 percent of the total regional jets in service, making SkyTeam the clear industry leader.

In the United States, for instance, the Regional Airline Association has said, "Seventy-one percent of U.S. communities with scheduled air service depend exclusively on regional airlines for their access to the national air transportation service."

SkyTeam member Delta Air Lines recognized the importance of RJ aircraft in providing customer service to regional markets in 1993 when it became the first airline to introduce regional jets to North America via its Comair operation.

Then, in July 2002, Delta subsidiaries Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) and Comair placed the largest regional jet order in aviation history with Bombardier Aerospace of Canada, calling for up to 500 additional aircraft, including firm orders and options.

"By providing service to small and mid-size cities around the world, the SkyTeam carriers offer more air travelers the ability to reach any destination on the five continents where the six carriers fly," said Paul Matsen, Delta's senior vice president - international and alliances.

"The right size for many markets requires the use of RJs to ensure that where there is a lower demand for service, the SkyTeam carriers can maintain a presence," Matsen said.

In Europe, Air France is growing its regional services through the extension of its subsidiaries, Rgional, Britair and City Jet, to feed its hubs in Paris and elsewhere in France. In doing so, the airline is increasing frequency to highly competitive markets.

By the end of the year Alitalia Express will operate a fleet of 20 regional jets including 14 EMB-145s and six EMB 170s. "As a network carrier we want to provide our customers with more frequencies and convenient connections to and from regional destinations. We have recently ordered six new EMB 170s to optimize capacity in smaller markets and provide SkyTeam passengers a high-level of customer service, " said Massimo Chieli Managing Director of Alitalia Express, the regional subsidiary of Alitalia.

A recent utilization survey of RJ aircraft by Miller Air Group Inc. found, as of 31 July 2003, the six SkyTeam alliance carries operate a total of 427 regional jet aircraft. Star's 16 carriers operated 359 RJs, while the eight oneworld carriers operate 234 RJs.

During periods of uncertain economic conditions for airlines - similar to the situation global carriers are now facing - there is also a profitability aspect for the carriers for using RJs in markets with less demand.

"In lower-demand markets where maintaining the presence of the SkyTeam carrier is strategically important, using RJs to serve those markets is financially sound and underscores our commitment to caring more about the customer," Matsen added.

RJs fulfill customers' top requests: multiple frequencies and reasonable fares, as well as nonstop service.

With the expansion of low-fare carriers, RJs provide the SkyTeam carriers with an important defensive tool - the ability to provide multiple frequencies with more schedule options.

About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is the global airline alliance partnering Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air. Through one of the world's most extensive hub networks, SkyTeam offers its 220 million annual passengers a worldwide system of approximately 8,200 daily flights covering all major destinations. In 2002, Global Finance magazine named SkyTeam the best airline in their list of the "Best Global Companies." Visit SkyTeam on the Web at www.skyteam.com.

Alliance Breakdown

1. Star Alliance*

*According to Web site data as of 1 June 2003

2. SkyTeam*

*As of 31 July 2003

3. Oneworld*

*According to Web site data as of 1 June 2003

** An RJ is defined as a jet aircraft of 100 seats or below, but including the various configurations of the BAe 146 jet, which may or may not carry more than 100 passengers. Fokker 100s and Boeing 717s were not included in this survey. No turboprop aircraft were included, nor props powered by jet engines.

• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003

• SkyTeam Unveils New Alliance Facility at London Heathrow Airport
• SkyTeam to Unveil New Alliance Facility at Barcelona Airport
• SkyTeam NewsFlash – October 2009
• SkyTeam Offers Affordable Mexican Travel with Mexico Pass