SkyTeam Cargo Celebrates its Second Anniversary

Announces Plans to Create Integrated Global Brand by October 2002


HONG KONG, Sept. 18, 2002 – In celebration of its two-year anniversary, SkyTeam Cargo executives hosted a press conference today at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum 2002 to announce new product and service initiatives, designed to extend the alliance’s position as the world’s leading cargo alliance. In attendance were Jaime White, CEO, AeroMexico Cargo; Marc Boudier, Executive Vice President, Air France Cargo; Massimo Panagia, Cargo and Logistics Managing Director, Alitalia Cargo; Kamil Slavik, Director, Czech Airlines Cargo; Anthony Charaf, Senior Vice President, Delta Air Logistics; and K. H. Choi, Managing Vice President, Korean Air Cargo.

Two years ago, AeroMexico, Air France, Delta and Korean Air launched SkyTeam Cargo to provide complete air cargo solutions to its customers, featuring access to a global network, a common platform of products and services, a single point of contact for sales and service in major markets and seamless processing of shipments through coordinated warehousing operations.

"With the largest global footprint of any cargo alliance, SkyTeam Cargo is well positioned to improve on the already high levels of products and services that our customers have come to expect from us. We will continue to help them deliver the every day items that touch consumers' lives," said executives from the six carriers in a joint statement issued at the Air Cargo Forum 2002.


Two Years and Growing

Since its inception in September 2000, SkyTeam Cargo has extended its reach with the joining of Czech Airlines Cargo in April 2001 and Alitalia Cargo in August 2001. SkyTeam Cargo customers now have access to a combined fleet of 1,224 aircraft, making 8,217 daily flights through alliance's extensive network covering the world's key trade routes. With the addition of Czech Airlines Cargo and Alitalia Cargo, SkyTeam Cargo has grown from:

  • 411 to 512 unduplicated destinations
  • 100 to 114 countries served
  • 14.0 billion to 15.1 billion freight ton kilometers carried per year

"Two years and growing not only illustrates the length of time we've been serving customers around the world, it also conveys the fact that we are still growing," said the executives.

In addition, it has introduced a common product program and has taken innovative steps in the structure of sales and service operations.

As part of that common structure, SkyTeam Cargo implemented a "single roof warehouse" initiative. Of the freight that moves through common SkyTeam cities, 72 percent is now processed through integrated warehouse operations or by common ground handlers, enhancing the convenience, reliability and benefits that SkyTeam Cargo customers already experience.

SkyTeam Cargo is also developing a new key account recognition program as an effort to advance its Customer Relationship Management and will activate a joint quality program. These two customer-oriented programs will be fully implemented during 2003.


Universal Product Line

SkyTeam Cargo partner airlines have adopted four common product categories under standardized branding – Equation, Variation, Cohesion, and Dimension – that will be available across all partners beginning in October 2002. Through this common product line, SkyTeam Cargo offers universal handling procedures, providing consistency among all partners and a smoother transaction for customers. These services will enable SkyTeam Cargo to provide the simplest solutions for any needs of customers.

Equation, introduced in early 2001, is an express service for packages less than 70 kilograms, designed to meet the emergency shipment needs of customers. Since its introduction, Equation has been expanded across the network of all partners.

Variation is a highly specialized service that adapts to the shipping demands of customers with goods requiring special care. Customers benefit from dedicated service and equipment, as well as the alliance partners' years of experience and know-how. Variation service has been segmented into eight distinct categories to address the shipping requirements associated with specific types of goods. SkyTeam Cargo will introduce 11 products within the Variation service in October 2002. The variation product line is as follows:

 

  • Variation-FRESH1, FRESH2 and FRESH3 are designed to meet the needs of shippers handling temperature-sensitive cargo.
  • Variation-ART is designed for handling precious works of art, focusing on protection from humidity, shock and water damage.
  • Variation-FASHION is dedicated to the shipment of garment on hangers and provides special sealed containers for quick delivery.
  • Variation-DGR is a specialty product for the dangerous goods shipment, designed under strict compliance with IATA standards and regulations.
  • Variation-LIVE is designed to ensure the safety and health of live animals.
  • Variation-SAFE1 and SAFE2 are designed for handling cargo of high value.
  • Variation-BIG is designed to accommodate extremely oversized or heavy pieces that require freighter aircraft.
  • Variation-WHEELS is designed for motorized vehicles ranging from motorcycles to automobiles.

Cohesion, a selective and fully customized solution designed by SkyTeam Cargo is aimed at satisfying shippers who work on a just-in-time basis with steady shipments such as aeronautics, automotive, pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Dimension, designed primarily for consolidation shipments, is SkyTeam Cargo's standard service, ensuring reliable, on time, airport-to-airport cargo transportation. Customers benefit from regular handling times and large capacity.


US Joint Venture

To provide customers with the same, high quality service, three members of SkyTeam Cargo – Air France Cargo, Delta Air Logistics and Korean Air Cargo – launched the US Cargo Sales Joint Venture in November 2001. The US joint venture (JV), which is the first of its kind in the industry, offers customers the benefits of a combined sales force, centralized reservation and service center, comprehensive route network and common product line for US export shipments. Headquartered in Atlanta, the JV has branches in 14 locations throughout the US, and regional offices in Atlanta, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.


About SkyTeam Cargo
SkyTeam Cargo is still growing as the leading global airline cargo alliance, aligning AeroMexico Cargo, Air France Cargo, Alitalia Cargo, Czech Airlines Cargo, Delta Air Logistics and Korean Air Cargo. Through one of the world's most extensive hub networks, SkyTeam Cargo offers its customers a worldwide system of more than 8,217 daily flights, while still providing a consistent standard of performance, quality and detailed attention to service. In 2001, SkyTeam Cargo partners carried 15.1 billion freight ton kilometers throughout the world. For more information, please go to SkyTeam Cargo.



++ all press releases