SkyTeam began operations in 2000 with Air France, Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico, and Korean Air.
The alliance was created to let member airlines cooperate across international networks while remaining separate companies. Cooperation could include coordinated schedules, shared airport facilities, reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits, and broader connections for passengers.
SkyTeam’s founding members represented Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia. That geographic spread gave the new alliance a global structure from its beginning and helped it compete with Star Alliance and Oneworld.
SkyTeam is sometimes confused with an airline group or a merger. It is an alliance: its airlines retain their own brands and corporate identities while coordinating selected services and benefits.