FlyLAL Lithuanian Airlines has been invited to join SkyTeam as an associate member, the carrier announced, joining Spain's Air Europa, Panama's Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways in the alliance's associate program. Tarom of Romania and Beirut-based Middle East Airlines also are potential associate members.

FlyLAL said the invitation followed a two-year negotiation and that "final criteria for admission" and a join date "will be confirmed in the short run." It currently operates three 737-300s, five 737-500s and four Saab 2000s. It plans to introduce a 737-200 on April 1.