Skyteam Named best Airline Alliance

"Northwest, along with its SkyTeam partners, is committed to delivering the highest level of service to our customers," said Nathaniel Pieper, vice president-alliances, Northwest Airlines. "This award supports the extensive network and benefits we’ve created around our customers’ needs. We are honored that our customers recognize these efforts and look forward to continuing to provide the industry-leading service they have come to expect."

Rising to number one this year from second place in 2004, SkyTeam attributes its ability to best serve business and leisure travelers to its continued focus on providing the utmost in worldwide connectivity and customer service in preferred hubs across the globe. Over the past sixteen months, SkyTeam has taken steps to strengthen its offering to its passengers.

In September 2004, SkyTeam added new members Northwest Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Continental Airlines, bringing its membership to nine carriers and giving more passengers access to the highest quality service to 684 destinations in 133 countries worldwide. Last year, SkyTeam announced the launch of an Associate Program, which will initially include Air Europa of Spain, Copa Airlines of Panama, Kenya Airways of Kenya and Tarom of Romania. With the added carriers, the alliance’s expanded network better serves passengers’ needs, making SkyTeam the alliance of choice for more travelers.

"Averaging about 32 roundtrip flights per year, Global Traveler readers make up part of the core business and frequent travel market," said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler. "This market benefits from the expanded worldwide access SkyTeam offers as a result of the alliance’s significant growth - in terms of members and network - over the past year. This growth, along with the individual recognition CSA Czech Airlines and Air France received in this year's survey helped SkyTeam win 2005 Best Airline Alliance."

Global Traveler Magazine surveyed 4,839 readers from February 1 - August 31 with open-ended questions assessing opinions of the most superior performers in 38 categories related to business and luxury travel. For more information on survey methodology, visit www.globaltravelerusa.com.