SkyTeam Cargo, the global airline cargo alliance announced its newest member will be KLM Cargo. The SkyTeam Cargo alliance was founded by Aeroméxico Cargo, Air France Cargo, Delta Air Logistics and Korean Air Cargo in 2000. Alitalia Cargo and CSA Czech Airlines Cargo both joined SkyTeam Cargo in
2001.

In making the announcement during the 22nd Annual International Air Cargo Forum & Exposition, Ken Choi, President, Korean Air Cargo, said, "With the addition of KLM Cargo, which has been at the forefront of transporting and handling general and special cargo for more than 80 years, SkyTeam Cargo continues to offer the largest global cargo network for its cargo shippers, forwarders and consolidators.

"By adding KLM Cargo's home base at Schiphol Airport to the cargo hubs already operated by SkyTeam Cargo, the alliance continues to expand its reach by providing additional shipping opportunities to every corner of the globe. When you add Schiphol, to the list of Mexico City, Milan-Malpensa, Rome-Fiumicino, Seoul-Incheon, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Prague-Ruzyne and Paris - Charles de Gaulle, we continue to have the largest global footprint of any alliance," he added.

Michael Wisbrun, Executive Vice President - KLM Cargo, said, "By joining SkyTeam Cargo, KLM Cargo continues to respond to the needs of our customers by offering a comprehensive package of products and destinations that are aligned with the global transport flows of the corresponding industries and markets."

Last year, KLM carried more than 490,000 tons of freight and ranks sixth among the more than 270 IATA (International Air Transport Association) members in terms of international revenue ton kilometers flown.

Through one of the world's most extensive hub networks, SkyTeam Cargo offers its customers a worldwide system of more than 500 destinations in 110 unduplicated countries. In 2003, SkyTeam Cargo partners carried 21.1 billion freight ton kilometers throughout the world.

On the passengers transport side, KLM also joined SkyTeam; KLM, Northwest Airlines and Continental Airlines are now full members of SkyTeam, one of the world's fastest growing airline alliances with nine member airlines and more than 13,500 daily flights to 630 destinations in 130 countries.

The SkyTeam airline network consists of Aeroméxico, Air France, KLM, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines.