CSA Czech Airlines to join SkyTeam

CSA Czech Airlines to join SkyTeam

CSA Czech Airlines is to join the SkyTeam airline alliance from next April.

As part of the deal, it is thought Air France will take a 15% stake in CSA.

The arrival of CSA will bring the total number of SkyTeam members to five, joining founding members Delta and Air France, as well as Aeromexico and Korean Air.

Air France chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta said: ” The synergy of the Prague and Paris hubs will enable SkyTeam to offer customers frequent and convenient services between Europe’s most densely populated regions and the rest of the world, particularly the US.”

CSA currently serves 62 international destinations and has a fleet of 28 aircraft. The airline flew more than two million passengers last year and generated a £1.9 million net profit.

Members of CSA’s frequent-flyer programme OK Plus will be able to earn and redeem miles on all five carriers, and top-tier travellers will be eligible for SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus status.

Meanwhile, Air France is continuing to pursue Russian airline Aeroflot as an additional SkyTeam member.

Spinetta met with Aeroflot last week to reiterate his wish that Aeroflot joins SkyTeam. As yet no firm plans have been decided.