IT key priority to develop services as member base grows

Amsterdam, 9 March 2011 – SkyTeam has appointed Michael Kimman as Vice President Information Technology as of 1 April 2011. The alliance is growing substantially and expanding its services; IT development is a vital element in improving the alliance offer to customers globally.

SkyTeam is increasingly focusing on delivering a consistent, high-quality and seamless experience to its members' customers. Top priorities are enriching the customer proposition and intensifying the cooperation between alliance members. Michael Kimman will be in charge of defining and implementing SkyTeam's IT strategy and supervising all projects involving IT development. An essential element of his responsibilities will be the development of connectivity between all members' IT platforms, which is necessary to expand and improve services to customers globally, reduce front-line cost and administration, and speed up business changes.

An example of a concrete project under development is offering lounge access based on real-time verification for eligible SkyTeam frequent flyers. Similar projects that focus on connectivity between customer systems across SkyTeam have been initiated and concrete plans will be communicated within six months.

Joining SkyTeam from KLM, where he is currently Vice President to the Chief Information Officer, Michael Kimman has built extensive and relevant experience. He joined KLM in 1977 after completing a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Delft University and an MBA from Rotterdam/Delft University. His 30+ years experience in various parts of the KLM organization (including Network, Cabin Crew, Procurement and Cargo) will be a clear asset for his new role in defining and providing the right support to multiple IT projects – all with the common goal to create increased benefits for SkyTeam customers and airline members alike.

For more information:

SkyTeam Corporate Communications 
T: +31 (0)6 43383664
E: media@skyteam.com


About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers over 420 lounges worldwide. The thirteen members are: Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, TAROM and Vietnam Airlines. SkyTeam offers its 385 million annual passengers a worldwide system of over 12,500 daily flights to 898 destinations in 169 countries. www.skyteam.com