After initial reports that Middle East Airlines is indefinitely postponing its membership with SkyTeam, Arabian Business is now reporting that the Lebanese flag carrier seems to have just postponed its membership announcement to a new date:
Middle East Airlines (MEA), has announced plans to join SkyTeam, one of the world’s biggest alliances.
The airline will sign a deal on 28 February, paving the way for MEA to be granted full membership in 2012.“SkyTeam is actively working to strengthen its presence in the Middle East, one of the world’s most important economic regions,” the alliance said, in a press statement.
“MEA will be a valuable addition to the alliance by offering customers increased access to the Middle East and Western Africa.”
Its good to see that the political crisis only proved to be a slight area of turbulence for MEA’s growth plans. Along with Saudi Arabian Airlines (who joined earlier), the SkyTeam hopes to take on their competitor’s, Oneworld,who cover the Middle East via Royal Jordanian.
The Lebanese airline will join up with some of the biggest names in aviation when it becomes a SkyTeam member. Among the alliance’s carriers are Air France, Delta Airways, [and] Korean Air.
ArabianBusiness.com: The Lebanese airline will join up with some of the biggest names in aviation when it becomes a SkyTeam member (Getty Images)The Lebanese airline will join up with some of the biggest names in aviation when it becomes a SkyTeam member (Getty Images)
I’m confused. I thought MEA announced it was selling its West Africa routes. Now the routes are mentioned in this announcement!
I remember reading that a while back but dismissed it – I’m pretty sure their Africa routes are quite profitable. Nevertheless, we’ll hear from MEA in February when they officially announce joining the alliance.