OREANDA-NEWS. April 19, 2007. Aeroflot officially became the tenth member of the leading international alliance of air carriers.

The main result of Aeroflot operation in the alliance became extension of the range of services, additional convenience for the Russian passengers on flights around the world due access to the alliance’s route network including 728 destinations in 149 countries. Aeroflot passengers appreciated participation via the Aeroflot-bonus program in a uniform system of bonus programs of the member airline companies.

Last year Aeroflot successfully integrated into the service system of alliance modern technologies: new electronic service for self check-in though stands and Internet were introduced, the technology of “interline e-ticket” was successfully realized with the alliance partners: Aeromexico, Delta, Continental Airlines, KLM, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. The program “Ambassador” aimed at staff training according to SkyTeam standards operates for efficient introduction of uniform technologies of the alliance in Aeroflot.

Aeroflot participates in commercial projects of SkyTeam. Fare products "European Airpass", "Asian Airpass", "American Airpass", for discount passenger flights for one intercontinental flight and at least three inside the continent. The projects "Global corporative contracts" and "Global Meetings" allow attracting corporative clients and participants of large international events. Participation in a joint alliance program for granting of compensation in case of delay, canceling or rebooking of a flight as well as in the program “Transfer product” is aimed at enhancement of quality and conditions of transit. 

Aeroflot participates in joint focused advertising campaigns in the key markets, program of reports on interviews and claims, projects on joint location of the alliance airline companies in the airports.

At the moment Aeroflot cooperates with the companies of the SkyTeam alliance on 15 lines including 7 direct lines between Moscow and partner’s destinations (Paris, Seoul, Prague, Amsterdam, Rome, Milan, Karlovy Vary). Frequency of Aeroflot flights has grown due to code sharing agreements. On June 1, 2007 Aeroflot is planning to open flights from St. Petersburg to Munich, Berlin and Hamburg. And till the end of the summer schedule 2007 80 routes more will be included in the joint exploitation with the alliance companies. At the expense of participation in the alliance programs a number of Aeroflot transit passengers grew seriously that allowed to increase a number of the passenger carriages in 2006 by 10%.

Aeroflot is planning further development of the agreements on joint exploitation of airlines in respect of geographic expansion, development of e-services, introduction of the 2D bar code technology, conclusion of code sharing agreements and FFP with the airline company China Southern, planning to joint SkyTeam, and probation associated members.