SkyTeam on Tuesday announced an agreement to add China Airlines as
a full member of the airline alliance, continuing its rapid expansion in Asia.
Taiwan-based China Airlines now begins the process of
becoming a full SkyTeam member, expected for completion by the middle of next
year. SkyTeam has been aggressively adding Asia-based carriers, with Vietnam
Airlines in June becoming a full member and Shanghai-based China Eastern that same
month signing an agreement to join. Those carriers join SkyTeam's Asia-based
stalwarts China Southern, based in Guangzhou, and Korean Airlines.
"The inclusion of China Airlines in our network will solidify
SkyTeam's unrivalled presence in the Greater China market, a region that
continues to experience significant economic growth," said SkyTeam
chairman Leo van Wijk. "In addition to the services provided by our
existing members, China Airlines offers an extensive cross-strait operation,
linking Taiwan to multiple major destinations in China. Also, Taipei will serve
as an alternative Asian hub with services to and from key business destinations
in the region."