U.S. gives go-ahead to SKYTEAM joint venture

The U.S. Department of Justice has granted approval to SKYTEAM Cargo partners Delta Air Logistics, Delta Air Lines’ cargo division, and Air France Cargo to proceed with a joint venture that will provide customers access to a larger network than either carrier currently offers.

SKYTEAM is expected to launch later this year, and will be owned equally by both Delta and Air France.

The joint venture will establish a single point of contact for the shipment of air freight from the US to expanded international destinations with a single, comprehensive product line. Cargo customers will have the choice of non-stop service to 40 destinations in Europe, Latin America and Japan and connecting services through Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport to many destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. SKYTEAM will also provide a direct freighter service from three US gateways.

The joint venture will be based in Atlanta with regional offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The new venture is also expected to offer customers the benefits of a centralised reservation and service centre, a comprehensive route network and a common product line.