SkyTeam Governing Board applauds European Commission and US Department of Justice approvals of Air France and KLM merger

The SkyTeam Governing Board today expressed their satisfaction with the European Commission and United States Department of Justice decisions to approve a merger between Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. With the two regulatory bodies’ approvals, KLM and Air France will form a new group, which will lead to KLM entering SkyTeam.

“We are extremely pleased with the European Commission and Department of Justice decisions and how they will greatly benefit international travelers,” the Governing Board members said in a statement. “With the addition of KLM to the SkyTeam network, customers will have access to a greater number of routes and destinations through Schiphol and the alliance’s other major hub airports. This is a win for travelers around the world.”

Plans are proceeding on schedule for KLM to join SkyTeam this year, after the public exchange of shares between Air France and KLM is complete. Air France announced last September that customers would begin to experience benefits linked to the merger in six-to-nine months.

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance partnering Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air.