SkyTeam signs MOU with Aeroflot

SkyTeam today announced that the alliance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aeroflot. The MOU is a preliminary step in the new member process and outlines Aeroflot’s intentions to undertake exclusive discussions to become a part of SkyTeam, pending fulfillment of the alliance’s joining requirements. The signing ceremony, which took place at the Kremlin, was attended by Valery Okulov, president of Aeroflot, Jean-Cyril Spinetta, chairman and CEO of Air France KLM, Leo Van Wijk, president and CEO of KLM and representatives of SkyTeam member airlines. 

“The addition of Aeroflot to the SkyTeam alliance will provide our passengers with access to new destinations in Russia and beyond, while creating new efficiencies and synergies for member airlines,” said Mr. Spinetta. “SkyTeam strategically aligns itself with partners that further support our ultimate objective of providing customers the highest levels of choice and convenience.”

Earlier this year, the SkyTeam Governing Board welcomed the airline’s bid for alliance membership. The MOU signed today lays the groundwork for Aeroflot to officially join the alliance; an event to occur once the carrier fulfills SkyTeam’s requirements for quality standards, most likely to occur in 2005.

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Moscow-based Open Joint Stock Company Aeroflot–Russian Airlines (RTS: AFLT) was established in 1923. Today it is the biggest international and domestic air carrier in Russia. The Russian government controls 51% of Aeroflot. It flies passengers and cargo to 88 destinations in 42 countries accounting for 39% of international and 11% of domestic Russia’s air travel. In 2003, Aeroflot carried 5.8 million passengers, posting a net profit of 4.0 billion rubles (in accordance with the Russian Accounting Standard: 1 euro = 34.8 rubles). Aeroflot has the most numerous (92 aircraft) fleet of Airbus, Boeing and modernized Russian built aircraft. By the year 2007 Aeroflot plans to build its own terminal in Sheremetyevo airport.