SkyTeam members said they would outline a development plan in China this year, including enhancing contacts with travel agencies and sales managers as well as sponsoring more public events.

Founded in June 2000, SkyTeam is now the global airline alliance partnering Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air.

China is developing fast with huge potential, which makes it a clear priority for SkyTeam, said Frederic Gossot, regional commercial manager of Air France Great China. He said he is confident in this dynamic market and ready to play a key role in the near future.

S.H. Park, general manager of Korean Air Beijing office, said, his company will be able to fly to 11 Chinese cities when routes to Xiamen, Yantai and Jinan are open in May.

Skyteam Welcomes China to Join It

As business and tourism increase between two neighboring countries, the current flights can not satisfy the growing demand in China, he said. The airlines also plan to increase daily flights to China during the World Cup.

"We are ready to welcome capable Chinese aviation companies to join the team," Park said.

Li Wei, China manager of Alitalia, said that his company temporarily canceled flights to China after the September 11 incident. However, in view of China's rapid economic growth and optimistic future after joining the WTO, flights to China will be resumed soon.

Although Delta Air Lines has not officially opened flights to China yet, its code-sharing program with China Southern began three years ago. The company also sponsored a "Hope School" in Guangzhou city.

(People's Daily April 18, 2002)