Xiamen Airlines becomes 19th member of SkyTeam

SkyTeam welcomed (21-Nov-2012) China's Xiamen Airlines as its 19th member. Xiamen Airlines is also the fourth member from Greater China. The airline strengthens SkyTeam's footprint in China by adding three new hubs - Xiamen, Fuzhou and Hangzhou - combined with a comprehensive domestic and growing international network. SkyTeam noted that Xiamen Airlines is China's sixth largest carrier and is "also one of the world's most profitable", having posted positive financial results for 26 consecutive years. The airline handles more than 15 million passengers p/a to more than 50 cities including Macau, Hong Kong and Taipei. The carrier has announced plans to launch service to Europe, North America and Australasia by 2014 after the introduction of Boeing 787 equipment. SkyTeam MD Michael Wisbrun stated, "By joining SkyTeam, Xiamen Airlines opens up the world to its passengers. And today we also strengthen SkyTeam's footprint in China. Greater China remains a priority region for our alliance. Xiamen Airlines will join our members China Southern, China Eastern and China Airlines in developing customer-focused initiatives for the region." Xiamen Airlines president and CEO Che Shanglun said, "Membership of SkyTeam will enable us to deliver enhanced customer benefits as we diversify and grow our network and this is key to the success of our new international routes. Our passengers can anticipate exciting new destinations while we look forward to a future of cooperation with our alliance partners." Xiamen Airlines has also started rolling out SkyPriority and effective immediately, Xiamen Airlines' customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on services operated by all SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines' FFPs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on Xiamen Airlines-operated services. [more - original PR - SkyTeam] [more - original PR - Delta]