DELTA Air Lines and Air France are experiencing problems trying to persuade other carriers to join their newly formed global alliance.
The alliance, which has not yet been given a name, was formed last week. The two airlines currently codeshare on transatlantic routes but want to expand this agreement on a global basis. The alliance will enable them to initiate joint purchasing policies and sales and marketing drives.
Delta is also in an alliance with European airlines Swissair, Sabena and Austrian Airlines, called Atlantic Excellence. Delta vice-president Europe Stephan Egli said he wanted these airlines to join forces with Air France.
However, Swissair general manager UK and Ireland Kirk Albrow said he could not see the carrier joining with Air France.
Sabena sales manager UK and Ireland Phil Bannister said the Belgian carrier was guided by Swissair’s wishes as it is set to become a majority shareholder next year.
Austrian’s general manager UK and Ireland Monika Warburton said her airline was not in talks with Air France and considered it unlikely the partnership with 10% shareholder Swissair and Sabena would be broken.
Air France chose Delta over Continental Airlines as the basis for a fourth global alliance following the formation of Oneworld, Star Alliance and KLM-led Wings. Continental is already in Wings.
Egli said the US airline and Air France wanted Asian and South American airlines as well as European carriers to join their alliance.