New SkyTeam members seek replacement for MD-11s and DC-10s on transatlantic routes
KLM and long-standing US partner Northwest Airlines have marked their official membership of the SkyTeam alliance by launching a study into the viability of jointly purchasing Boeing 7E7s.
Speaking in New York at the official SkyTeam welcoming ceremony for former Wings Alliance members Continental Airlines, KLM and Northwest, KLM chief executive Leo van Wijk said the airline had agreed to work with Northwest on a programme studying joint specifications for the 7E7.
"We have decided to jointly work on it and see if we can come up with a joint specification if we do decide to go with this aircraft," he said. The twinjet is a possible replacement for KLM's MD-11s and Northwest's McDonnell Douglas DC-10s on transatlantic routes.
No specific timetable has been set for KLM's renewal programme, which could happen any time between 2007 and 2012.
The rival Star Alliance has already formed a group to study possible joint specification of the 7E7, and members All Nippon Airways and Air New Zealand have announced orders for the aircraft.
GRAHAM DUNN / NEW YORK
Source: Flight International
