SKYTEAM is to introduce a new class of membership in order to cater for carriers whose international ambitions are more restricted. At a press conference in Amsterdam called to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the alliance Air Europa of Spain; Copa Airlines of Panama; Kenya Airways of Kenya; and Tarom of Romania were unveiled as the first airlines to join the nine airline partnership under this new arrangement. Each is sponsored by a full member. Skyteam also confirmed that Aeroflot (end 2005) and China Southern (2006) were on course to become full members. Asked about Heathrow T4 KLM”s Leo M. van Wijk said that his airline was already in the terminal and that discussions were continuing with an announcement expected shortly.
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