The Eurostar has become a partner to the SkyTeam airline alliance.
EUROSTAR, SKYTEAM PARTNERS
Eurostar and SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that paves the way for integrated intermodal journeys via air and rail for millions of customers.
“Offering travellers the choice to see Europe in the most sustainable and convenient way by rail is a key component of Eurostar’s vision for growth. We are creating a future where travellers can connect between Eurostar trains, domestic railways and long-haul flying, opening up our services to new markets across the globe. Today is a major step forward towards this mission and we look forward to working with SkyTeam to develop the customer proposition so more travellers can experience Eurostar’s unique service.” Eurostar CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave said in a press release.
With Eurostar now being SkyTeam’s first non-airline partner, customers will be able to create itineraries that combine long- and medium-haul flights with sustainable rail journeys in a single reservation – while enjoying SkyTeam benefits.
EUROSTAR NETWORK
The Eurostar’s increased network offers many possibilities to enjoy multi-city journeys between the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany that can easily be accommodated by rail.
Eurostar and SkyTeam member, KLM, already have a long-standing relationship.
The companies will continue to develop their air-rail product for customers, which has already led to a strategic reduction in flights between Amsterdam and Brussels.
ENHANCED SUSTAINABILITY
Airlines in Europe are in fact becoming increasingly focused on their environmental impact.
Some airlines including Air France have scrapped flights to destinations that could be reached via train.
By choosing the train, CO2 emissions are reduced by an average of 90% compared with a journey by petrol-powered car, and by 95% compared with a journey by air.
SKYTEAM CONNECTS EUROPE
Customers will be able to fly into SkyTeam’s main hubs in France, the Netherlands and the U.K. and other major European airports across Eurostar’s network and enjoy multi-city travel in a more sustainable way.
Significantly, around 13% percent of Eurostar passengers flying long-haul into one of SkyTeam’s main European hubs connect to another Eurostar destination by rail. Hence the partnership has the potential to build on this.
SkyTeam member airlines include Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, SAS, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and XiamenAir.
EUROSTAR, SKYTEAM PARTNERS
The companies will indeed work together in the coming months. Thus creating a more integrated experience for air-to-rail travel, ensuring customers can enjoy the benefits of both transport modes. The partnership is in fact expected to launch in the first half of 2025.
