SkyTeam was founded in 2000 by Air France, Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico, and Korean Air.
The alliance lets member airlines coordinate routes, schedules, airport facilities, frequent-flyer benefits, and elite-customer services while remaining separate companies. Its launch followed the creation of Star Alliance in 1997 and Oneworld in 1999.
SkyTeam’s founding airlines represented Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia. Korean Air later hosted the alliance’s first formal signing ceremony in Seoul. The name refers to the alliance rather than to a single airline.
SkyTeam is sometimes confused with its individual members, particularly Delta Air Lines or Air France. Its network has expanded well beyond the original four founders, although membership has changed over time as airlines joined or left.