By Peter Alagos
SkyTeam managing director Michael Wisbrun said there still has been no discussion on a possible alliance between SkyTeam and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, but stressed that they “will be extremely happy” if the airline would be able to finalise its much-anticipated financial investments with Alitalia.
Speaking at a media briefing during the 70th IATA Annual General Meeting at the Ritz-Carlton in Doha, Wisbrun emphasised that the outcome of negotiations between the two airlines “will be predominantly the basis” for a possible discussion with SkyTeam.
“We even don’t know if they (Etihad) will join SkyTeam. And we don’t know yet what kind of supporting role Etihad is playing towards Alitalia, but Alitalia at the moment is an ailing member and is not in the benefit of anybody,” Wisbrun said.
He added: “So if Etihad steps in and has a footprint, has a tool, or have the means and capability to make Alitalia profitable, we will be extremely happy…until they turn the ship around, then you have a basis for a discussion, but for the time being there is none.”
Earlier, the airlines issued a joint statement stating that Etihad would formally submit a letter to the Italian airline’s board of directors on details of a nonbinding offer for a stake of up to 49% of Alitalia. Neither airline would elaborate on the terms of Etihad’s offer.
When asked about what SkyTeam has in store for airlines based in the Middle East, Wisbrun told Gulf Times that Saudia and Middle East Airlines are likewise in a “difficult position.”
He suggested that if ailing airlines are able to invest in other carriers or successfully drive towards new positions “the easier it is to come to a conclusion if SkyTeam is adding value for them or not.”
Wisbrun also announced that SkyTeam is projecting an increase of 18% in membership co-operation this year from more codeshares and bilateral agreements between member airlines.
He noted that due to increased collaboration, the airline alliance is anticipating this year that more than 26mn customers are expected to connect across member airlines with 6.5mn transferring at SkyTeam hubs, creating efficiency and seamlessness during the transfer process for passengers and their baggage.
Wisbrun also said SkyTeam is focused on increasing the co-location of airport facilities to improve customer experience.
“In addition to opening a SkyTeam exclusive lounge in 2015 for passengers of the 15 airlines flying into Dubai International Airport, we will open the next SkyTeam exclusive lounge at Sydney towards the end of 2014. SkyTeam’s existing exclusive lounges at London’s Heathrow and Istanbul’s Ataturk airports, joint check in counters and airport ticketing offices worldwide are further examples of successful airport synergies,” Wisbrun said.