 | SkyTeam HeadlinesSkyTeam NewsFlash – July 2009SkyTeam, the global airline alliance partnering ten members – including Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern Airlines, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Korean Air – and three Associate carriers – Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways – sets itself apart by offering an exclusive experience for all passengers. Issued monthly, SkyTeam NewsFlash provides media with key updates and insights on alliance activities. Spotlight on SkyTeam Sustainability Among one of the aviation industry’s top priorities is addressing environmental concerns and seeking concrete solutions to improve its environmental activities. And although it will be an ever-evolving process, there have been recent signs of significant improvements. For example, according to IATA, airlines have improved efficiency and CO2 emissions by almost 20 percent over the past 10 years. And with the G8’s recent call for a global sectoral approach to reduce emissions, there is more focus than ever on the industry’s environmental actions. In this month’s NewsFlash, we take an inside look into how the SkyTeam member airlines work individually and as an alliance to meet the growing demand for worldwide mobility while at the same time taking steps to minimize its environmental impact. SkyTeam’s environmental commitment In June 2008, SkyTeam signed a corporate social responsibility (CSR) statement outlining the alliance’s key social commitments, including its dedication to protecting the environment. Created and signed by all member airlines, the CSR statement is structured around three key pillars: promoting social responsibility; realizing equitable, economic prosperity; and protecting the environment. Although the starting point for the alliance-wide commitment was Air France-KLM’s own CSR statement, the SkyTeam version was developed collaboratively. For example, the group first audited individual member airline efforts in regards to environmental issues, social policies and social contributions. With the results in hand, the team held extensive discussion and debate. If there was not consensus on an issue, it was left out of statement. Bringing the statement to life To further embody the statement and the alliance’s environmental initiatives, SkyTeam member airlines work together in a team approach through the Sustainability Working Group. The group oversees the alliance’s commitments to protection of the natural environment in terms of compliance with industry standards and is also focused on ways to:
Looking forward While SkyTeam’s member airlines will always have their own initiatives, collectively as alliance, the statement serves as a catalyst for ongoing discussions. For example, the group is exploring joint initiatives: including recycling and carbon offset programs; cooperation on purchase or sharing of electric and alternative fuel ground service equipment; collaboration on airport facilities’ energy-saving initiatives such as solar panels; and a joint perspective on environmental health issues such as aircraft disinfection and water quality. SkyTeam’s initiatives support economic development and connect people and cultures while at the same time recognizing the potential environmental and social consequences of the alliance’s activities. And with the building blocks of a designated Sustainable Working Group and CSR statement, SkyTeam and its partner airlines will continue to evolve its environmental commitment and seek actionable items to promote environmental quality and social progress. Update on SkyTeam livery Last April, SkyTeam unveiled its new livery design as Delta Air Lines flight 47 took off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and touched down at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. As of July 2009, SkyTeam is pleased to announce that the following five additional member airlines have painted at least one of their aircraft with the SkyTeam livery:
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