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85-447: SkyTeam is one of the world's three major airline alliances . Founded in June 2000, SkyTeam was the last of the three alliances to be formed, the first two being Star Alliance and Oneworld , respectively. Its annual passenger count is 624 million customers (2024), the second largest of the three major alliances. As of October 2024, SkyTeam consists of 19 active carriers; it also operates

170-595: A frequent-flyer program of a full member: Copa Airlines already used Continental 's OnePass ; Kenya Airways and Air Europa used Air France–KLM 's Flying Blue . Following a 23-month joining process since May 2004  ( 2004-05 ) , Aeroflot joined on 14 April 2006. It was the first Russian airline to be associated with any airline alliance. Aeroflot had increased its operational standards, passing International Air Transport Association 's (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). Delta 's subsidiary Song continued to operate as Delta Air Lines. In June, it

255-466: A memorandum of understanding with SkyTeam as it intended to become a full member. The event took place in the Kremlin following the airline's application earlier in the year for membership. SkyTeam expressed that Aeroflot has not met the consortium's standards, but that the airline's large hub networks made it ideal for the alliance, and made up for its deficiencies. On 28 August, China Southern Airlines ,

340-593: A $ 1 billion restructuring in 2021 to help it recover from the COVID-19 pandemic . Upon announcing major losses in 2022, the carrier announced plans to cut ties with the Kenyan government by the end of 2023. In 2024, Kenya Airways has demonstrated a strong performance turnaround, marking its first profit since 2013, a significant milestone driven by its Project Kifaru strategy. This plan emphasizes operational excellence, financial discipline, and an enhanced customer experience. For

425-720: A budget of $ 25 million (€18 million). which brought competing airlines to form Oneworld in 1999 and SkyTeam in 2000. In 2010 Richard Branson , chairman of the Virgin Group , announced his intention to form a fourth alliance among Virgin branded airlines ( Virgin Atlantic ; Virgin America ; and the Virgin Australia Holdings group of airlines). Then in September 2011, Branson said that Virgin Atlantic would join one of

510-658: A cargo alliance named SkyTeam Cargo , which partners with ten carriers, all SkyTeam members. Its centralised management team, SkyTeam Central, is based in Amstelveen , Netherlands. On 22 June 2000, representatives of Delta Air Lines , Aeroméxico , Air France , and Korean Air held a meeting in New York to form a third airline alliance . These became the four founding carriers of SkyTeam. Upon its formation, SkyTeam would offer its customers 6,402 daily flights to 451 destinations in 98 countries. In September 2000  ( 2000-09 ) ,

595-1066: A centralized management based in Amsterdam . The consortium also named a new managing director, Marie-Joseph Malé, outlined a timeline for the opening of its co-located facilities at London Heathrow Airport , and unveiled a new special livery. In September 2009  ( 2009-09 ) , Olympic Air entered into a codeshare agreement with Delta, a deal that was part of Olympic's intention to join SkyTeam and engage in further discussions with Delta's joint venture partner Air France–KLM. However, ties were cut in 2013 after Star Alliance member Aegean Airlines acquired Olympic Air. To start 2010, Northwest Airlines ' and Delta Air Lines ' operating certificates were officially combined on 1 January, while on 9 March, China Southern Airlines announced its plans to join SkyTeam Cargo . With membership expected to be granted in November

680-494: A dark blue empennage with SkyTeam's logo on it. The alliance emblem is painted on both sides of the fuselage. As of August 2016, the SkyTeam livery was worn by 52 aircraft. Airline alliance In 2015, Star Alliance was the largest with 23% of total scheduled traffic in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs)/revenue passenger miles (RPMs) , followed by SkyTeam with 20.4% and Oneworld with 17.8%, leaving 38.8% for others. In 2019, by number of passengers, Star Alliance

765-511: A full member following a joining ceremony held in Hanoi . The airline became the first SkyTeam carrier from Southeast Asia, where Star Alliance has a strong presence through Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International . With an extra 20 unique destinations added to SkyTeam's route map, Vietnam Airlines helped to strengthen the alliance's foothold in the region. On 22 June, the CEOs and chairmen of

850-409: A given route, different times to choose from, more destinations within easy reach, shorter travel times, more options of airport lounges shared with alliance members, fast track access on all alliance members if having frequent flyer status, faster mileage rewards by earning miles for a single account on several different carriers, round-the-world tickets , enabling travellers to fly over the world for

935-600: A member of SkyTeam in June 2010 and is also a member of the African Airlines Association since 1977. Kenya Airways was established by the Kenyan government on 22 January 1977, following the break-up of the East African Community and the consequent demise of East African Airways (EAA). On 4 February 1977, two Boeing 707-321s leased from British Midland Airways inaugurated operations, serving

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1020-519: A plan to restore profitability was disclosed in a March 2018 interview given by the CEO and the chairman of the company. The turnaround operation will include route expansion, pursuing the high-end segment of the market, on partnerships and joint ventures with other airlines. The carrier plans to add up to twenty new destinations in Africa, Europe and Asia in the next five years. Five sub-leased aircraft are to re-join

1105-619: A relatively low price. Airline alliances may also create disadvantages for the traveller, such as higher prices when competition is erased on a certain route or less frequent flights; for instance, if two airlines separately fly three and two times a day respectively on a shared route, their alliance might fly less than 5 (3+2) times a day on the same route. This might be especially true between hub cities for each airline. e.g., flights between Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (a Delta Air Lines fortress hub ) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (a KLM fortress hub). The first airline alliance

1190-808: A revenue increase of 22% to Ksh91 billion, The airline’s capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs),increased by 16% to 7.991 billion ASKs, while Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs) improved by14%.though cost management remains a challenge as operating expenses rose alongside growth in service capacity. The key trends for the Kenya Airways group over recent years are shown below (to 31 March until 2017; periods ending 31 December thereafter): Low-cost carrier Jambojet , created in 2013, and African Cargo Handling Limited are both wholly owned subsidiaries of Kenya Airways. Partly owned companies include Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited, dedicated to

1275-463: A shareholding scheme, and others own the remaining 5.2%. The Government of Kenya issued a guarantee for a further US$ 525 million debt owed to Import-Export Bank of the United States, financier of the newer Boeing planes of its fleet. In a bid to recover their exposure, syndicated leaseholders and banks unsuccessfully fought these measures to restructure the carrier's ownership. An outline of

1360-421: A tangible impact on our operational costs, reducing fuel expenses and decreasing the environmental footprint of our ground operations," said George Kamal. These initiatives demonstrate Kenya Airways' dual commitment to sustainability and financial prudence. As Kamal emphasized, "We are not just cutting costs for short-term gains; we are building a more resilient and sustainable future for Kenya Airways." Furthermore,

1445-679: Is currently a public-private partnership. The largest shareholder is the Government of Kenya (48.9%), with 38.1% being owned by KQ Lenders Company 2017 Ltd (in turn owned by a consortium of banks), followed by KLM , which has a 7.8% stake in the company. Private owners hold the rest of the shares; shares are traded on the Nairobi Stock Exchange , the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange , and the Uganda Securities Exchange . The airline became

1530-522: Is the flag carrier airline of Kenya . The company was founded in 1977, after the dissolution of East African Airways . Its head office is located in Embakasi , Nairobi , with its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport . The airline was owned by the Government of Kenya until April 1995, and it was privatised in 1996, becoming the first African flag carrier to successfully do so. Kenya Airways

1615-541: The International Finance Corporation was appointed to assist in the privatisation process, which effectively began in 1995. A large aviation industry partner was sought to acquire 40% of the shares, with another 40% reserved for private investors and the government keeping the remaining stake. The government would absorb almost US$ 90  million in debts and would convert another US$ 31  million it provided in loans into equity; after reorganisation,

1700-500: The 13 member airlines gathered in New York to celebrate the alliance's 10th anniversary. During its first decade of operation, the world's second-largest airline alliance more than tripled its membership, doubled its flights and nearly doubled its destinations. On the same day, SkyTeam announced that it had renewed its membership program, thereby upgrading Air Europa , Kenya Airways and TAROM statuses from associate to full members. During

1785-624: The Kenya– Europe corridor, and permitted Kenya Airways to return the A310-200 to the lessor. In early 1988, the carrier ordered two Fokker 50s ; for domestic routes, the airline received the first of these aircraft at the end of the year. Also in 1988, the lease of a third A310-300 was arranged with the International Lease Finance for a ten-year period; the aircraft joined the fleet in November 1989. Leased from Ansett Worldwide ,

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1870-614: The Nairobi–Frankfurt–London route. On internal and regional flights, the carrier deployed aircraft formerly operated by the EAA consortium, such as one Douglas DC-9-52 and three Fokker F-27-200s . In late 1977, three Boeing 707s were acquired from Northwest Orient . The following year, the company formed a charter subsidiary named Kenya Flamingo Airlines, which leased aircraft from the parent airline in order to operate international passenger and cargo services. Aer Lingus provided

1955-533: The Netherlands signed the first open skies agreement with the United States, in spite of objections from the European Union , which gave both countries unrestricted landing rights on the other's soil. Normally landing rights are granted for a fixed number of flights per week to a fixed destination. Each adjustment requires negotiations, often between governments rather than between the companies involved. In return,

2040-690: The Oneworld alliance. US Airways' participation in Star Alliance lapsed. In 2012, in South America, LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines began their merger. In March 2014, with the merger complete, TAM left Star Alliance and became part of LAN in Oneworld. On September 21, 2015, the Vanilla Alliance was formed between several airlines based in the Indian Ocean region, in order to improve air connectivity within

2125-418: The U.S.–Japan Open Skies agreement . Eventually, Japan Airlines opted to remain at Oneworld, citing that the transfer to SkyTeam would confuse its passengers and may not gain antitrust immunity from U.S. regulators. SkyTeam received its second application for full membership within five months. China Airlines , Taiwan 's flag carrier and largest airline, announced in mid-September that it had formally started

2210-508: The United States granted antitrust immunity to the alliance between Northwest Airlines and KLM. Other alliances would struggle for years to overcome the transnational barriers and lack of antitrust immunity, and still do so. On May 14, 1997, an agreement was announced forming the Star Alliance with five airlines on three continents: United Airlines , Scandinavian Airlines , Thai Airways International , Air Canada , and Lufthansa . The alliance chose Young & Rubicam for advertising, with

2295-925: The aircraft was deployed on revenue service in February 2024. The company has previously operated the following aircraft: In 2005, Kenya Airways changed its livery . The four stripes running all through the length of the fuselage were replaced by the company slogan Pride of Africa , whereas the KA tail logo was replaced by a styled K encircled with a Q to evoke the airline's IATA airline k Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched three key sustainability initiatives under its strategic recovery plan, Project Kifaru, aimed at ensuring long-term business viability and environmental responsibility. These include: These projects align with KQ's goals of reducing its environmental footprint, improving operational efficiency, and fostering community development through job creation. CEO Allan Kilavuka emphasized

2380-512: The airline announced plans to retire all non-Boeing aircraft and become an all-Boeing airline. On 20 December 2023, Kenya Airways announced that they had secured an agreement with HiFly Malta for an additional aircraft to enhance operational capacity and flexibility for the peak travel season, being delivered on 20 December, and completing its first flight for the airline a day later, operating KQ310, from Nairobi to Dubai. The airline took delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 SF in November 2023;

2465-471: The airline joining SkyTeam and would sharply increase the alliance's footprint in London . Rivals Star Alliance and Etihad Airlines were also investigating competing options about Virgin Atlantic. China Eastern Airlines joined the alliance on 21 June 2011, along with its subsidiary , Shanghai Airlines , to become the 14th member. Later in 2011, on 28 September, China Airlines joined the alliance. In November

2550-579: The airline leave SkyTeam and join Star Alliance. The European Commission approved Lufthansa Group's purchase of a 41% stake in ITA Airways in July 2024. ITA would leave SkyTeam and join Star Alliance in 2026 or 2027. In February 2022, both Delta and KLM announced plans to suspend their codesharing agreements with Aeroflot in connection with the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine . Subsequently, on 27 April, SkyTeam and Aeroflot announced that Aeroflot's membership with

2635-575: The airline would be better off privately owned, thus resulting in the first privatisation attempt. The government named Philip Ndegwa as chairman of the board in 1991, with specific orders to make the airline a privately owned company. In 1992, the Public Enterprise Reform paper was published, giving Kenya Airways priority among national companies in Kenya to be privatised. Ndegwa was succeeded by Isaac Omolo Okero. In September 1992, Brian Davies

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2720-513: The airline's commitment to sustainability, customer focus, and Africa's prosperity through responsible corporate practices. Kenya Airways’ Water Bottling Plant, with a daily capacity of 4,500 liters, will "reduce reliance on external suppliers and significantly lower water procurement costs while generating additional revenue through potential water sales." Similarly, the Pyro-Diesel Plant, producing 700–1,000 liters of diesel daily, "will make

2805-458: The airline's international destinations, whereas domestic routes radiated from Nairobi to Kisumu , Malindi , Mombasa and Mumias . A Nairobi–Bombay nonstop route was launched in 1982 using Boeing 707-320Bs. A year later, the company commenced serving Tanzania while flights to Burundi , Malawi and Rwanda were launched in 1984. Capacity on the European routes was boosted in November 1985 with

2890-698: The alliance (as opposed to a full member, an associate has no voting rights), Malév Hungarian Airlines opted to join the Oneworld airline alliance, signing a memorandum of understanding late in May. A few days later, SkyTeam announced four new associate members due to join by 2006, each one being "sponsored" by an existing member: Madrid -based Air Europa (sponsored by Air France), Panama-based Copa Airlines (sponsored and partly owned by Continental Airlines ), Kenya Airways (sponsored and partly owned by KLM ) and Romania's TAROM (sponsored by Alitalia ). Every associate adopted

2975-498: The alliance established a cargo alliance, SkyTeam Cargo . The group's inaugural members were Aeromexpress, Air France Cargo, Delta Air Logistics and Korean Air Cargo. The following month, the newly established airline alliance announced its intentions to incorporate CSA Czech Airlines as the 5th member in April of the following year. The alliance saw the joining of CSA Czech Airlines on 25 March 2001; Alitalia entered SkyTeam on 27 July

3060-497: The alliance was suspended. On 2 March 2023, Virgin Atlantic joined the alliance, making it the 19th member and the first UK airline of the alliance. On October 2023, as a part of the restructuring of Scandinavian Airlines' parent company SAS Group , Air France-KLM, along with the Government of Denmark and two financial firms announced plans to invest in Scandinavian Airlines. In March 2024, US Bankruptcy Court approved

3145-568: The alliance. On 4 November 2019, the International Airlines Group (IAG) announced it had agreed terms to purchase Air Europa and that the airline would leave SkyTeam if the deal succeeded. The COVID-19 pandemic and antitrust concerns delayed the sale. Negotiations resumed in March 2022 when IAG agreed to grant Air Europa a €100 million loan convertible into a 20% stake. In February 2023, negotiations were completed and IAG agreed to buy

3230-585: The alliance. China Southern Airlines joined SkyTeam on 15 November to become the 11th full member and the first carrier from China to join the alliance. In June 2008  ( 2008-06 ) , following an agreement between Continental Airlines and United Airlines , the former, as well as Copa Airlines, announced their intentions to move to Star Alliance after Continental's final flight with SkyTeam on 24 October 2009. That day, as announced, Continental Airlines and Copa Airlines simultaneously left SkyTeam. Continental Airlines joined Star Alliance three days later; at

3315-549: The benefits of the SkyTeam membership, a study was carried out in July; following it, the Aeroflot board reaffirmed its position within the alliance in September ;2013  ( 2013-09 ) . Garuda Indonesia became the 20th member of the alliance on 5 March 2014. Garuda initially expected to gain SkyTeam membership in 2012, but the joining process took 40 months to be completed. On 31 December 2018, China Southern Airlines left

3400-418: The biggest lender, saw its holdings rise from 29.8% to 48.9% while that of KLM was diluted from 26.7% down to 7.8%. A consortium of local banks, through a special-purpose vehicle called: "KQ Lenders Company 2017 Ltd.", ended up with 38.1%. The latter entity is obligated with a loan from the above local banks for US$ 225 million; this amount, in turn, is guaranteed by the government. The airline's employees, through

3485-467: The cargo division of Aerolíneas Argentinas, joined the alliance in November ;2013  ( 2013-11 ) . Saudia Cargo joined the alliance on 15 April 2019. SkyTeam launched a special livery in 2009, coinciding with the alliance's 10th anniversary, with Delta Air Lines being the first airline to paint one of its aircraft with these colours. The livery consisted of an all-metallic silver fuselage and

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3570-518: The cargo handling of perishable goods (51%-owned) and Tanzanian carrier Precision Air (41.23%-owned). As of October 2016 , Michael Joseph is the airline 's chairman . Joseph is the former chief executive officer (CEO) of Safaricom , the leading telecom operator in Kenya . As of August 2023 , Allan Kilavuka held both the Group Managing Director and CEO position. Kilavuka

3655-473: The ceremony, the Board outlined its plans to recruit members from Latin America , South America and India. Three days later, TAROM officially became the 13th SkyTeam member. As a part of the celebration, SkyTeam offered reductions of round-the-world fares and other promotions. Following the 10th anniversary, SkyTeam intended to enhance customers' travel experience and deepen cooperation among its members to supplement

3740-454: The company with technical and management support in the early years. In July 1980, the airline had 2100 employees and a fleet of three Boeing 707-320Bs , one Boeing 720B , one DC-9-30 and three Fokker F-27-200s . At this time, Addis Ababa , Athens , Bombay , Cairo , Copenhagen , Frankfurt , Jeddah , Kampala , Karachi , Khartoum , London , Lusaka , Mauritius , Mogadishu , Rome , Salisbury , Seychelles and Zürich were among

3825-455: The company would have a debt of approximately US$ 78  million. British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and South African Airways were among the airlines expressing interest in taking a stake in Kenya Airways. KLM was awarded the privatisation of the company, which restructured its debts and made a master corporation agreement with KLM, which bought 26% of the shares, becoming the largest single shareholder since then. Shares were floated to

3910-401: The deal that hurt KQ - IATA code for Kenya Airways. Two Boeing B737-700 were sold and five newer, leased airliners were sub-leased to improve cash flow. Efforts to financially re-position the carrier were successful at the end of 2017. In a complex deal, stakeholders agreed to convert close to half a billion US dollars in equity loans, changing the ownership structure. The government of Kenya,

3995-598: The existing alliances; this idea was repeated in October 2012. In December 2012, Delta Air Lines purchased Singapore Airlines' 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic for £224 million. Virgin America was absorbed into Alaska Airlines , which joined the Oneworld alliance in 2021. On February 14, 2013, it was announced that American Airlines and US Airways would merge, retaining the American Airlines name and would remain in

4080-661: The expansion into regions that are yet to have SkyTeam members. In South America, India and Africa, it is clear there will be a significant battle for positioning to lure good carriers in your alliance. During the year, Delta Air Lines offered US$ 1.02  billion to Japan Airlines after the Asian airline filed for bankruptcy due to US$ 26  billion debt, at the same time lobbying Oneworld 's largest member in Asia to switch to SkyTeam. Delta, along with American Airlines , wanted Japan Airlines to be in their respective alliances to benefit from

4165-451: The first Boeing 757-200 was received in January 1990, whereas a third Fokker 50 was acquired in October the same year. By late 1991, two Boeing 737-200s had been leased from Guinness Peat Aviation . In 1986, Sessional Paper Number 1 was published by the Government of Kenya, outlining the country's need for economic development and growth. The document stressed the government's opinion that

4250-470: The first Boeing 787 took place on 4 April 2014. Two days later, Nairobi–Paris became the first route to be served by the Boeing 787. Kenya Airways phased out its Boeing 777s in May 2015 after the airline made losses and incurred debts in the previous financial year. The Boeing 777-300ER fleet was leased to Turkish Airlines in May 2016. In 2022, the airline announced a plan to downsize its fleet. In 2023,

4335-447: The first half of the year ending June 2024, the airline reported a net profit of Ksh513 million, a major improvement from the Ksh21.7 billion loss reported during the same period last year The airline’s profit after tax saw a remarkable 102% improvement, highlighting the success of the ongoing recovery strategy.. Passenger numbers grew by 10% to 2.54 million, with an expanded capacity leading to

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4420-413: The first official SkyTeam Associate Airline and achieved full membership in June 2010. The alliance provides Kenya Airways' passengers with access to the member airlines' worldwide network and passenger facilities. Kenya Airways has codeshare agreements with the following airlines: As of June 2024 , Kenya Airways operates the following aircraft: The first of four converted Boeing 737-300s

4505-618: The fleet by the end of 2019 to facilitate this move. Preparations are underway to roll out an economy-plus class to target the business and high-end leisure travellers. Direct flights to luxury tourism destinations in the Indian Ocean are also planned. Talks are underway with South African Airways regarding route-sharing and aircraft-maintenance collaboration; this is the other focus of the turnaround scheme. In December 2018 Kenya Airways revealed plans to start flights between Nairobi and Windhoek, Namibia. The airline announced plans to undergo

4590-515: The following evening. As of September 2024, the following airlines are members of SkyTeam: Founding member. SkyTeam Cargo is the cargo division of SkyTeam. As of April 2024, the cargo alliance comprised nine members from the passenger alliance: Aeroméxico Cargo , Air France-KLM Cargo (include Air France Cargo and KLM Cargo ), China Cargo Airlines , Czech Airlines Cargo , Delta Cargo , ITA Airways Cargo , Korean Air Cargo and Saudia Cargo . Aerolíneas Argentinas Cargo ,

4675-532: The fusion of both companies. Gold Elite and Platinum Elite members of the Flying Blue programme are offered the JV Lounge . This service is provided to Kenya Airways passengers, and to passengers flying with its partner airlines as well. Simba Lounge is a service provided to Kenya Airways Business passengers only. Both lounges are located at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport . Different in-flight entertainment

4760-531: The future under its parent company, future SkyTeam member China Eastern Airlines . This bolstered SkyTeam's presence in the People's Republic of China and surrounding areas, making SkyTeam the number one alliance in the region. Garuda Indonesia formally started its joining process on 23 November and was scheduled to be integrated by 2012. Upon joining, the airline became the second Southeast Asian airline to join SkyTeam, therefore challenging Star Alliance 's dominance in

4845-455: The incorporation of an Airbus A310-200 leased from Condor . Kilimanjaro was first served in March 1986. That year, the airline ordered two Airbus A310-300s . Kenya Airways was the first African carrier to acquire the type and was the first wide-bodies ordered by the company. Funded with a US$ 20,000,000 (equivalent to $ 55,591,985 in 2023) loan, the delivery of these two aircraft took place in May and September 1986. They flew on

4930-638: The international community, as it will strengthen the airline's international cooperation and global competitiveness." On 13 September, Continental Airlines , KLM and Northwest Airlines joined the alliance. Their simultaneous entry was the largest expansion event in airline alliance history. As a result of the three new members, SkyTeam surpassed Oneworld to become the second largest airline alliance, serving more than 341 million customers with 14,320 daily flights to 658 destinations in 130 countries. Even though member CSA Czech Airlines pledged to help Malév Hungarian Airlines become an associate member of

5015-402: The investment along with Stockholm District Court in 12 June 2024 and European Commission on 28 June 2024. As a result of the approval for the investment, Scandinavian Airlines left Star Alliance on 31 August 2024 and joined SkyTeam in 1 September 2024. On 26 October 2024, Czech Airlines left SkyTeam and ceased operations following changes in operating model. The last flight arrived from Paris

5100-533: The issuance of rights worth KSh. 20 billion/=, aimed at increasing capital to support expansion plans. Following the allocation of shares, KLM increased their stake in the company from 26% to 26.73%, while the Kenyan government boosted their participation into the company from 23% to 29.8%, becoming the largest shareholder. In April 2012, the airline launched a plan named Project Mawingu (the Swahili word meaning Clouds ) to add 24 destinations by 2021, including

5185-458: The joining process. Upon joining, the airline's route network supplemented those of China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines , allowing cooperation among the three airlines. The following month, Aerolíneas Argentinas signed an agreement to officially start the process of becoming the first South American SkyTeam member. The airline was set to join in 2012. On 1 November, Shanghai Airlines exited from Star Alliance to join SkyTeam in

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5270-467: The largest carrier in the People's Republic of China, signed a preliminary agreement in Guangzhou in its bid to become a full member. In the presence of some Chinese and airline officials, Yan Zhiqing, the chairman of China Southern Airlines, said, "This agreement-signing event is an important step forward into the future for China Southern Airlines to adapt itself to the need of further reforms and opening to

5355-459: The overall number of members in the alliance rising to 19. In late June 2013  ( 2013-06 ) , the Russian newspaper Kommersant published an article that mentions that Aeroflot was considering leaving the alliance over disagreements with Delta on the pricing on some routes to North America . The report also mentioned that the Russian carrier was considering joining Star Alliance . To assess

5440-451: The public in March 1996, and the airline started trading in the Nairobi Stock Exchange . The Government of Kenya kept a 23% stake in the company, and offered the remaining 51% to the public; however, non-Kenyan shareholders could hold a maximum 49% share of the airline. Despite 40% of the shares being kept by foreign investors following privatisation (including KLM 's 26% stake), top management positions were held by Kenyans. Following

5525-531: The region through Thai Airways International and Singapore Airlines . On 10 January 2011, Saudi Arabian Airlines signed an agreement to join SkyTeam in 2012. On 28 February the same year, Middle East Airlines agreed to join the alliance. Member airlines Delta and Air France–KLM appointed Goldman Sachs in late February 2011  ( 2011-02 ) to advise them on a potential bid for Sir Richard Branson 's 51% stake in Virgin Atlantic , which could lead to

5610-423: The region. The founding members are Air Austral , Air Mauritius , Air Madagascar , Air Seychelles , and Int'Air Îles . On January 18, 2016, the first alliance of low-cost carriers was formed, U-FLY Alliance . The founding members— HK Express , Lucky Air , Urumqi Air , and West Air —are all affiliated with HNA Group , although the alliance is also seeking airlines not within the group. On May 16, 2016,

5695-676: The remaining 80% stake in Air Europa (which it plans to keep as a separate brand but have managed by Iberia ) for €400 million, subject to European regulatory approval. In August 2024, IAG abandon the deal after deeming additional remedies to address EU antitrust conditions too onerous to make the deal viable. On 15 October 2021, Alitalia ceased operations, departing the alliance. Its successor, ITA Airways , joined SkyTeam on 29 October 2021. In 2023, Lufthansa , after confirming its initial acquisition of 41% of ITA Airways, said its plans included gaining total ownership of ITA's shares by 2028 and having

5780-453: The same year, Xiamen Airlines committed to be incorporated as a full member by the end of 2012, with their entry supported by China Southern Airlines . On 29 May 2012, Saudi Arabian Airlines became both the first carrier to join the alliance in 2012 and the first one based in the Middle East , which brought the total members to 16. The same day of its incorporation, Saudi Arabian Airlines

5865-419: The same year, the airline was to be the first Chinese carrier to join a global air cargo alliance. On 16 April China Eastern Airlines announced its intention to join SkyTeam, with the official joining ceremony initially expected to occur by mid-2011. The announcement came shortly after the airline's merger with Shanghai Airlines , a member of SkyTeam's rival Star Alliance . On 10 June, Vietnam Airlines became

5950-683: The same year, the fleet consisted of four Airbus A310-300s, two Boeing 737-200 Advanced and four Boeing 737-300s . At this time the company had a staff of 2,780, including 400 engineers, 146 flight crew and 365 cabin crew. From its main hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, scheduled services were operated to Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam , Bujumbura , Cairo, Copenhagen, Dar es Salaam , Douala , Dubai , Eldoret , Entebbe /Kampala, Harare , Johannesburg , Karachi, Khartoum, Kigali , Kinshasa , Lagos , Lilongwe , Lokichoggio , London, Lusaka, Mahe Island , Malindi , Mombasa, Mumbai , and Zanzibar . In 2002, an order for three Boeing 777-200ERs

6035-511: The same year, with its membership scheduled to become effective 1 November that year. On 30 September 2001, the alliance received KLM's application for membership, following the airline's plans to create a leading airline group with Air France. In 2003, Delta 's subsidiary, Delta Express , was replaced by Song . That same year, SkyTeam also launched an improved website focused on providing passengers with more information, increased interactivity and other resources. On 24 May 2004, Aeroflot signed

6120-399: The scaling up of these plants is expected to "create additional employment opportunities," underscoring the airline's dedication to community development and environmental responsibility. Former Kenya Airways' frequent flyer programme Msafiri was merged with KLM 's Flying Dutchman in 1997, which was in turn merged with that of Air France and rebranded as Flying Blue in 2005, following

6205-430: The start of services to Australia and North and South America , and expanding its presence in Asia as well. In October 2013, the airline stated that it will add six new destinations every year, following the delivery of Boeing 777s and 787s the carrier has on order. Operational results for fiscal years 2015 and 2016 showed substantial losses. The rapid expansion of the fleet and routes (dubbed "Project Mawingu")

6290-489: The takeover, the government of Kenya capitalised US$ 70  million, while the airline was awarded a US$ 15  million loan from the International Finance Corporation to modernise its fleet. In a deal worth US$ 82  million, two Boeing 737-300s were ordered in July 1996. In January 2000, the airline experienced its first fatal accident when an Airbus A310 that had been bought new in 1986 crashed off Ivory Coast , shortly after taking off from Abidjan . By April

6375-400: The time, it was rumored that the switch was Continental's initial move in a United-Continental merger. In April 2009  ( 2009-04 ) , the alliance signed a preliminary agreement with Vietnam Airlines for the airline to become a full member in 2010. Also in 2009, Alitalia-Linee Aeree Italiane re-launched operations as the new Alitalia , and the alliance announced initiatives towards

6460-3887: The world's largest alliance of low-cost carriers was formed, Value Alliance . The founding members were Cebu Pacific , Cebgo , Jeju Air , Nok Air , NokScoot , Scoot Airlines , Tigerair , Tigerair Australia , and Vanilla Air . Star Alliance , founded in 1997, currently has 25 members: [REDACTED] Aegean Airlines , 2010 [REDACTED] Air Canada , founder [REDACTED] Air China , 2007 [REDACTED] Air India , 2014 [REDACTED] Air New Zealand , 1999 [REDACTED] All Nippon Airways , 1999 [REDACTED] Asiana Airlines , 2003 [REDACTED] Austrian Airlines , 2000 [REDACTED] Avianca , 2012 [REDACTED] Brussels Airlines , 2009 [REDACTED] Copa Airlines , 2012 [REDACTED] Croatia Airlines , 2004 [REDACTED] EgyptAir , 2008 [REDACTED] Ethiopian Airlines , 2011 [REDACTED] EVA Air , 2013 [REDACTED] LOT Polish Airlines , 2003 [REDACTED] Lufthansa , founder [REDACTED] Shenzhen Airlines , 2012 [REDACTED] Singapore Airlines , 2000 [REDACTED] South African Airways , 2006 [REDACTED] Swiss International Air Lines , 2006 [REDACTED] TAP Air Portugal , 2005 [REDACTED] Thai Airways International , founder [REDACTED] Turkish Airlines , 2008 [REDACTED] United Airlines , founder Former members: Oneworld , founded in 1999, currently has 13 members: [REDACTED] Alaska Airlines , 2021 [REDACTED] American Airlines , founder [REDACTED] British Airways , founder [REDACTED] Cathay Pacific , founder [REDACTED] Finnair , 1999 [REDACTED] Iberia Airlines , 1999 [REDACTED] Japan Airlines , 2007 [REDACTED] Malaysia Airlines , 2013 [REDACTED] Qantas , founder [REDACTED] Qatar Airways , 2013 [REDACTED] Royal Air Maroc , 2020 [REDACTED] Royal Jordanian , 2007 [REDACTED] SriLankan Airlines , 2014 Former members: Future members: SkyTeam , founded in 2000, currently has 19 members: [REDACTED] Aerolíneas Argentinas , 2012 [REDACTED] Aeroméxico , founder [REDACTED] Air Europa , 2007 [REDACTED] Air France , founder [REDACTED] China Airlines , 2011 [REDACTED] China Eastern Airlines , 2011 [REDACTED] Delta Air Lines , founder [REDACTED] Garuda Indonesia , 2014 [REDACTED] ITA Airways , 2021 [REDACTED] Kenya Airways , 2007 [REDACTED] KLM Royal Dutch Airlines , 2004 [REDACTED] Korean Air , founder [REDACTED] Middle East Airlines , 2012 [REDACTED] Saudia , 2012 [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Scandinavian Airlines , 2024 [REDACTED] TAROM , 2010 [REDACTED] Vietnam Airlines , 2010 [REDACTED] Virgin Atlantic , 2023 [REDACTED] XiamenAir , 2012 Former members: Vanilla Alliance , founded in 2015, currently has 5 members: [REDACTED] Air Austral , founder [REDACTED] Air Madagascar , founder [REDACTED] Air Mauritius , founder [REDACTED] Air Seychelles , founder [REDACTED] Int'Air Îles , founder U-FLY Alliance , founded in 2016, currently has 4 members: [REDACTED] Eastar Jet , 2016 [REDACTED] Lucky Air , founder [REDACTED] Urumqi Air , founder [REDACTED] West Air , founder Former members: Value Alliance , founded in 2016, currently has 5 members: [REDACTED] Cebu Pacific , founder [REDACTED] Cebgo , founder [REDACTED] Jeju Air , founder [REDACTED] Nok Air , founder [REDACTED] Scoot , founder Former members: Kenya Airways Kenya Airways Ltd. , more commonly known as Kenya Airways ,

6545-460: Was announced that Portugália would become the alliance's next associate member candidate. However, in November, rival airline and Star Alliance member TAP Air Portugal , purchased 99.81% of the airline, bringing a sudden end to its candidacy. On 4 September 2007, Air Europa, Copa Airlines, and Kenya Airways became members of SkyTeam's Associate program, which was launched to serve airlines in strategic regions which intended to become affiliated with

6630-603: Was appointed as Kenya Airways Group's acting CEO in December 2019, succeeding Sebastian Mikosz, who resigned amid nationalisation plans for the airline. Mikosz, formerly CEO of LOT Polish Airlines , had taken office as Kenya Airways Group's managing director and CEO on 1 June 2017. Kilavuka was later confirmed in the substantive role. Kenya Airways serves 44 destinations with 61 different routes, as of August 2023 . KLM sponsored Kenya Airways' SkyTeam candidacy process in mid-2005. In September 2007, Kenya Airways became one of

6715-410: Was appointed as the new managing director of the company. Davies had been previously hired to carry out a study of viability on privatisation, working for British Airways ' Speedwing consulting arm. Swissair was the first company to provide Kenya Airways with privatisation advice. In the fiscal year 1993 to 1994, the airline produced its first profit since the start of commercialisation. In 1994,

6800-419: Was cited as the primary cause of the downturn. Fuel-price hedging and the 1996 agreement with KLM , considered intrusive in the running of the flag carrier, took secondary blame. Corrective measures were taken to improve the financial and operational position of the airline and avert insolvency. The route partnership with KLM was deemed profitable thus, kept. However, the parties agreed to amend some features of

6885-480: Was delivered to the company in April 2013; Kenya Airways planned to fly this aircraft on African routes served by the Embraer 190s, to boost cargo capacity. The company took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER in October 2013. Kenya Airways had nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order as of April 2011, although the company considered cancelling the order after systematic delays with the delivery dates. The handover of

6970-589: Was formed in the 1930s, when Panair do Brasil and its parent company Pan American World Airways agreed to exchange routes to Latin America . In 1990, the African Joint Air Services (AJAS) Accord between Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia led to the launch of Alliance Air in 1994, with South African Airways, Air Tanzania, Uganda Airlines and the governments of Uganda and Tanzania as shareholders. The first large alliance began in 1989, when Northwest Airlines and KLM agreed to large-scale codesharing. In 1992,

7055-583: Was leading 762 million, followed by SkyTeam (630 million) and Oneworld (535 million). Benefits can consist of an extended network, often realised through codeshare agreements . Many alliances started as only codeshare networks. Cost reductions come from sharing operation facilities (e.g. catering or computer systems), operation staff (e.g. ground handling personnel, at check-in and boarding desks), investments and purchases (e.g. in order to negotiate extra volume discounts). Traveler benefits can include lower prices due to lowered operational costs for

7140-412: Was placed with Boeing; an additional aircraft of the type was acquired in November 2005. In March 2006, six Boeing 787-8s were ordered; the first two examples would be delivered in 2010 and the rest in 2011. The original Boeing 787 order was amended nine months later to include three more aircraft of the type. The first Embraer 190 joined the fleet in December 2010. In June 2012 the company announced

7225-545: Was renamed to Saudia. Middle East Airlines became the 17th member of the alliance a month later, following its incorporation on 28 June 2012. On 29 August 2012, Aerolíneas Argentinas became the first South American and the second Latin American airline in joining the alliance, bringing the number of members to 18. Following its incorporation on 21 November 2012, Xiamen Airlines became the fourth member in Mainland China , with

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