ATLANTA, April 5, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Delta Air Lines has announced that Aeroflot Russian Airlines became a SkyMiles(r) partner effective April 1, 2006. The agreement will enable SkyMiles members to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Aeroflot.
"This partnership demonstrates Delta's continued commitment to international expansion," said Jeff Robertson, managing director of the SkyMiles program. "It opens up access to Russia's more remote destinations through Aeroflot's extensive service and allows SkyMiles members to earn miles while traveling to other locations throughout Eastern Europe - and beyond."
SkyMiles members may earn bonus miles and Medallion Qualification Miles when flying Aeroflot and may redeem miles on Aeroflot flights. Aeroflot Bonus members may accrue bonus miles, class of service bonuses and elite qualification miles, and may redeem miles while traveling on Delta, Song, Delta Shuttle and Delta Connection carriers. Aeroflot offers nonstop service to Moscow from New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and from Moscow to destinations throughout Eastern Europe and Asia.
"Delta SkyMiles and Aeroflot Bonus members around the world will benefit from this partnership," said Eugene Bachurin, Commercial Director of Aeroflot. "We look forward to providing great service and benefits to SkyMiles members on our flights."
Aeroflot Russian Airlines, JSC (RTS: AFLT), Russia's national airline company, was established in 1923. The largest airline in the country, the company operates 39 percent of Russia's international flights. Aeroflot is a member of the 25 top global carriers (ATV version) and carried 6.862 million passengers in 2004. The airline will open its own terminal in Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport by 2007.
Delta SkyMiles members earn miles by flying Delta, Song(r), Delta Shuttle(r), the Delta Connection carriers, Delta Air Elite and Delta's SkyTeam(r) partners. The SkyMiles program offers additional mileage-building opportunities through partners such as the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, SkyMilesShopping.com, participating hotels, car rental companies, telecommunication services, restaurants, floral and gift retailers and financial, mortgage and realty services. Now in its 25th year, the SkyMiles program was recently named the Best Frequent Flyer Program by Travel Savvy magazine in a survey that included all global and domestic loyalty programs. The airline plans to offer an array of exciting programs, promotions and benefits as Delta celebrates the silver anniversary of its frequent flyer program in 2006.
Delta Air Lines (Other OTC:DALRQ) is one of the world's fastest growing international carriers with more than 50 new international routes added or announced in the last year. Delta offers daily flights to 503 destinations in 94 countries on Delta, Song, Delta Shuttle, the Delta Connection carriers and its worldwide partners. In summer 2006, Delta plans to offer customers more destinations and departures between the U.S., Europe, India and Israel than any global airline(1), including service on 11 new transAtlantic routes from its Atlanta and New York-JFK hubs. Delta also is a major carrier to Mexico, South and Central America and the Caribbean, with more than 35 routes announced, added or applied to serve since Jan. 1, 2005. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 14,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.
(1)From the U.S., based on July 2006 OAG.
Taxes and fees for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Partner airline benefits subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each partner. All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/skymiles.
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