For the second consecutive year, SkyTeam was named the 2006 Best Airline Alliance by Global Traveler magazine. Selected by the magazine's readers in an annual reader's survey.

Global Traveler cited the addition of Aeroflot and pending addition of China Southern Airlines to the alliance as key factors for receiving this recognition. SkyTeam was recognized at a luncheon in New York on January 23. Accepting the award on behalf of the alliance was Nathaniel Pieper, SkyTeam Steering Committee vice chairman and vice president-alliances, Northwest Airlines.

"From the official joining of Aeroflot to the success of our Global Meetings offerings, 2006 was a significant year for SkyTeam," said Mr. Pieper. "In 2007, we look forward to sharing several new initiatives and welcoming new partners that will continue to differentiate the alliance in terms of our commitment to travelers of all kinds."

Capturing the number one position for the second consecutive year, 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.

In June 2000, Aeromexico, Delta, Air France and Korean Air founded the SkyTeam global airline alliance, with Alitalia and CSA joining the following year. In September 2004, SkyTeam added new members Continental Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Northwest Airlines. In 2006, Aeroflot joined SkyTeam, and giving more passengers access to the highest quality service to 728 destinations in 149 countries worldwide. In addition, China Southern Airlines confirmed its commitment to meet the stringent set of standards to be officially recognized as a member of SkyTeam by signing a Global Airline Alliance Adherence Agreement (GAAAA) in June 2006.

In addition to the "Best Airline Alliance" honor, several SkyTeam member airlines received recognition in the Global Traveler awards, including Air France for "Best Trans-Atlantic Airline", Continental Airlines for "Best Airport Lounges", and Korean Air, which was named "Best Airline for Cargo".

Global Traveler magazine surveyed 13,653 readers from February 1 - August 31 with open-ended questions assessing opinions of the most superior performers in 42 categories related to business and luxury travel. For more information on survey methodology, visit www.globaltravelerusa.com.