SkyTeam Marks Twenty-Five Years of Innovation and Connectivity

SkyTeam, one of the world’s leading airline alliances, marked a significant milestone on June 22, 2025, as it celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. Founded in 2000 by four airlines, the alliance has now expanded to include 18 member airlines and serves more than 945 destinations in 145 countries. As it enters its next chapter, SkyTeam remains committed to enhancing the travel experience through digital transformation, innovation in customer service, and a stronger emphasis on sustainability.

SkyTeam’s journey over the past quarter-century has been defined by its unwavering commitment to improving the travel experience for its customers. From providing innovative services to simplifying the process of traveling across multiple airlines, SkyTeam has earned the loyalty of millions of travelers worldwide. Today, the alliance serves 235 million loyalty program members, whose needs continue to shape SkyTeam’s customer-first initiatives.

A Commitment to Customer Experience

SkyTeam’s growth and success are a direct result of its customer-centric approach. Since its founding, the alliance has continually evolved to offer seamless, intuitive, and rewarding travel experiences. As part of its anniversary celebration, SkyTeam highlighted several innovations that have redefined the way travelers interact with the airlines in the alliance:

• Seamless Multi-Airline Check-in: One of SkyTeam’s groundbreaking digital advancements is the launch of its SkyTeam Digital Spine, which allows travelers to check in for multi-airline itineraries using their preferred app or website, streamlining the process for those traveling with multiple member airlines.
• Award-Winning Digital Tools: SkyTeam has introduced a series of digital tools designed to simplify the travel experience, such as the Carry-On Calculator, which helps passengers ensure their luggage meets the required size and weight restrictions.
• SkyPriority Services: As the first airline alliance to introduce standardized airport priority services, SkyTeam offers its members access to SkyPriority at over 900 airports, improving the efficiency and comfort of their journey.
• Expanded Lounge Access: SkyTeam has expanded its lounge access to over 750 locations globally, including SkyTeam-branded lounges in key destinations like Dubai, Sydney, Santiago, and Vancouver. This allows eligible customers to enjoy premium services and comfort while waiting for their flights.
• Enhanced Loyalty Programs: SkyTeam has developed reciprocal loyalty benefits through the SkyTeam Elite and SkyTeam Elite Plus tiers, which allow passengers to enjoy better recognition and rewards for their travel across all member airlines.

SkyTeam’s Leadership in Sustainability

SkyTeam’s focus on sustainability has been another key pillar of its success. The alliance is a leader in integrating environmental initiatives into the airline industry, positioning itself as one of the first alliances to actively invest in sustainable practices. SkyTeam has launched several industry-first sustainability initiatives, including:

• The Aviation Challenge: An initiative launched by SkyTeam to accelerate sustainable aviation, bringing together 27 industry players to work on carbon reduction solutions. This effort has highlighted SkyTeam’s leadership in advancing environmentally conscious practices within the aviation industry.
• IATA’s 25by2025 Campaign: SkyTeam has been an active supporter of this campaign, which aims to address gender inequality in aviation by increasing the representation of women in leadership roles. SkyTeam’s support for this initiative underscores its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the airline industry.
• Anti-Human Trafficking Declaration: SkyTeam made history by becoming the first airline alliance to issue an Anti-Human Trafficking Declaration. This declaration demonstrates the alliance’s unified stand against human trafficking, contributing to global efforts to combat this widespread issue.

The Next Generation of Travel: Digital Innovation and Seamless Connectivity

Looking ahead, SkyTeam is focused on shaping the future of travel through continued innovation in technology and loyalty programs. As new members such as Virgin Atlantic and SAS join the alliance, SkyTeam is investing in shared technology to create an even more seamless and integrated customer experience. The alliance’s upcoming initiatives include:

• Intermodal Travel Partnerships: SkyTeam is expanding its intermodal travel options through new partnerships with Eurostar and Trenitalia, offering smoother and more convenient connections between air and rail travel. This initiative will allow passengers to combine air and rail travel on the same itinerary, improving connectivity and convenience.
• Advancing Digital Capabilities: SkyTeam is continuing to invest in digital advancements, such as seamless check-in processes across member airlines, real-time baggage tracking, and integrated loyalty experiences that will enable travelers to earn and redeem miles seamlessly across the entire SkyTeam network.
• Sustainability and Innovation: The alliance is also focused on developing sustainable travel solutions, leveraging digital tools and green technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance the overall travel experience.

SkyTeam’s Role in Global Connectivity

SkyTeam’s impressive growth over the past twenty-five years has allowed it to become one of the most influential and connected airline alliances in the world. With its 18 member airlines, the alliance provides customers with access to a vast network of flights across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. The alliance’s goal of improving global connectivity and creating a more integrated travel experience has positioned it as a leader in the airline industry.

“As the newest member, we are proud to be part of an alliance defined by operational excellence and a shared focus on the customer,” said Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS. “Together with fellow SkyTeam members, SAS has topped the global on-time performance rankings several times in 2025, which is a testament to the alliance’s strength and commitment to delivering a reliable experience for our customers.”

Looking Ahead: Building a Smarter, More Integrated Future

As SkyTeam celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary, it is clear that the alliance is not only reflecting on its past achievements but also laying the foundation for the future of connected travel. “This twenty-five-year milestone isn’t just about reflecting on our accomplishments. It’s also a catalyst for the future,” said Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO. “Together with our members, we’re building the next generation of travel experiences – smarter, more integrated, and more responsible.”

SkyTeam’s commitment to innovation, customer experience, sustainability, and digital transformation ensures that the alliance will continue to lead the way in the global travel industry for many years to come. As it moves into its next chapter, SkyTeam is poised to further strengthen its position as the world’s most connected and customer-centric airline alliance.

Sources: SkyTeam, Aeromexico, SAS