SkyTeam Appoints New Chairman

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, has nominated Leo van Wijk chairman of its Governing Board. SkyTeam made the announcement in conjunction with its annual Governing Board meeting in Vancouver.

Mr. van Wijk, who was instrumental in architecting KLM Royal Dutch Airline’s entrance into SkyTeam, is currently vice chairman of the Air France-KLM Board of Directors. Until early July, Mr. van Wijk will serve as president and chief executive officer of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, a position he has held for nearly a decade.

Mr. van Wijk emphasized the alliance’s focus on improving the reciprocity of Frequent Flyer Programs, SkyTeam’s co-location policy at airports, notably at London Heathrow International Airport, and the membership process for new Alliance partners and associate members.

SkyTeam has already made steps toward anticipated network growth in key markets this year, as the global airline alliance readies for the addition of China Southern and three Associate airlines –Air Europa, Copa and Kenya Airways- later in 2007.