Quarter Century of SkyTeam Alliance Growth Highlights Customer Innovations and Environmental Leadership
(IN SHORT) SkyTeam marked its 25th anniversary on 22 June 2025, celebrating the evolution from four founding airlines to a global network of 18 members serving 945 destinations in 145 countries. The alliance’s 235 million loyalty members benefit from unified perks—co-located lounges, SkyPriority, interline transfers, and mileage redemptions. Over the past quarter-century, SkyTeam has introduced innovations such as the SkyTeam Digital Spine, award-winning digital tools, standardized priority services at 900+ airports, and expanded lounge access at 750+ locations. SkyTeam leads on sustainability and social initiatives, including The Aviation Challenge, IATA’s 25by2025 gender equity campaign, and an Anti-Human Trafficking Declaration. As it charts its future, SkyTeam is investing in shared technology—air-rail partnerships, real-time baggage tracking, and integrated loyalty experiences—to create a seamless, customer-focused travel ecosystem.
(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 2025-Jun-23 — /Travel PR News/ — On 22 June 2025, SkyTeam celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of airline cooperation dedicated to enhancing the global travel experience. What began in 2000 with four founding carriers has grown into an alliance of 18 member airlines, linking more than 945 destinations across 145 countries. As SkyTeam embarks on its next phase, the focus turns to accelerating digital transformation, elevating customer-centric innovations, and driving sustainability initiatives throughout its network.
Putting passengers first has always been central to SkyTeam’s mission. With a combined loyalty base of 235 million members, the alliance has harmonized benefits—such as co-located lounges and SkyPriority services—while streamlining interline transfers and mileage redemptions. Shared programs ensure frequent flyers enjoy consistent recognition and privileges across all member carriers.
Reimagining the Customer Journey
Over the past 25 years, SkyTeam has rolled out industry-leading features, including:
- SkyTeam Digital Spine: enabling travelers to check in across multiple airlines via their chosen app or website
- Award-winning digital tools: such as the Carry-On Calculator, designed to simplify packing and boarding
- SkyPriority: standardized priority services at over 900 airports worldwide
- Elite and Elite Plus tiers: offering expanded reciprocal lounge access at more than 750 locations, including dedicated SkyTeam lounges in Dubai, Santiago, Sydney, and Vancouver
Pioneering Social and Environmental Action
SkyTeam leads global alliances in sustainable aviation and social responsibility. The alliance launched The Aviation Challenge—an industry-first initiative uniting over 27 partners to advance greener technology—and endorsed IATA’s 25by2025 campaign to tackle gender imbalance in aviation. SkyTeam also became the first airline group to issue an Anti-Human Trafficking Declaration, reinforcing its commitment to safety and ethics.
Voices from the Alliance
“SkyTeam’s strength comes from its collaborative spirit and unwavering focus on travelers,” said Andrés Conesa, SkyTeam Chairman and Aeroméxico CEO. “Having witnessed our network expand and innovate, I’m proud of the seamless journeys we’ve created for millions worldwide.”
“Reaching 25 years is not just about celebrating our past,” added Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO. “It propels us forward as we build smarter, more integrated, and more responsible travel experiences—empowering customers no matter how many member airlines they fly.”
“As SkyTeam’s newest member, SAS is excited to deliver even more seamless, personalized service,” remarked Anko van der Werff, SAS President & CEO. “Our top-ranked on-time performance in 2025 reflects the alliance’s dedication to operational excellence and reliability.”
Building the Digital Backbone
With recent additions like Virgin Atlantic and SAS, SkyTeam continues to invest in shared technology and loyalty enhancements, including:
- Intermodal partnerships with Eurostar and Trenitalia for smoother air-rail connections
- Real-time baggage tracking and integrated loyalty platforms that unify points and perks across carriers
Media contacts:
E-mail address: press@sas.se
International & Denmark: +45 32 32 31 35
Sweden: +46 8 797 29 44
Norway: +47 64 81 88 00
SOURCE: SAS AB
