As SAS prepares for its entry into the SkyTeam airline alliance, it has revised and expanded its existing codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines. This comes after news had emerged earlier this month that the US Department of Transport (DOT) had approved a request to expand their partnership, despite JetBlue objections. The enhanced agreement will cover 150 destinations in North America, as well as around 50 destinations in Northern Europe. SAS and Delta have penned an expansion to their existing codeshare agreement as part of SAS’ transition to the SkyTeam alliance. The airline joined on September 1 and follows a 20% investment from the Air France-KLM Group. Both airlines in this group are members of the SkyTeam alliance. Paul Verhagen, CCO at SAS, said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Delta through this new codeshare agreement, enhancing travel options between Scandinavia and North America. With our new direct route from Copenhagen to Seattle, we’re strengthening connections to the Pacific Northwest offering more travel options for our passengers. As a proud new member of SkyTeam Alliance, this collaboration offers great opportunities to provide seamless connectivity and benefits across our global network. We are excited about the possibilities and committed to delivering an elevated travel experience for our customers."<br/>
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Air France, a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, will test out a new buy-on-board system for food and drinks on some of its short and medium-haul flights from 2025. Currently, the airline offers an edge over budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet by providing a free drink and sandwich, snack or pastry on most of its economy class flights - depending on the duration. Currently, Air France passengers can purchase a la carte meals when booking or up to 24 hours before departure. Looking ahead, they may have the option to buy on board. Initially, the optional paid catering system will be introduced on Air France’s routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Helsinki and Lisbon. It is yet to be seen whether the cost savings will translate into lower ticket prices or whether it will be rolled out across other routes. Not all will be lost, however: passengers will still be offered water or a hot drink with a small sweet or salty snack. Business class passengers will be unaffected by the change, and will still receive a complimentary meal alongside hot and cold drinks and a selection of alcoholic beverages.<br/>