Russia's Aeroflot considers leaving SkyTeam alliance: paper

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian state-controlled airline Aeroflot is considering leaving the SkyTeam alliance because of unfavorable agreements with other members, in particular U.S. Delta Air Lines Inc , Kommersant reported on Friday.

The newspaper cited sources close to Aeroflot's board of directors as saying the company was not happy with the development of its routes in the United States, where its partner Delta Air Lines Inc offers high fares.

Aeroflot declined to comment on the report.

Dropping out of the alliance could cost Aeroflot $20 million and the airline may consider joining Star Alliance, the biggest airline marketing group, with 27 members.

As a member of SkyTeam, which brings together 19 global airlines, Aeroflot cannot undercut prices offered by other members and could be more competitive in the Star Alliance, group, Kommersant said.

The agreement to join SkyTeam in 2004 was signed in the Kremlin, a political stamp of approval largely due to close ties with Air France , the leading member.

(Reporting by Maya Dyakina and Gleb Stolyarov; editing by Elizabeth Piper)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/russias-aeroflot-considers-leaving-skyteam-alliance-paper-053936639.html

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