SkyTeam, one of the three major airline alliances in the world, and high-speed train operator Eurostar have announced a joint venture, integrating booking between the two, making in possible for passengers to buy plane and train tickets at the same time when needing to complete the last leg of their journey by rail.
With Eurostar on board as SkyTeam’s first non-airline partner, customers will be able to travel on itineraries that combine long- and medium-haul flights with sustainable rail journeys in a single reservation – while enjoying SkyTeam benefits. Customers will be able to fly into SkyTeam’s main hubs in France, the Netherlands and the UK, as well as other major European airports across Eurostar’s network, and enjoy multi-city travel in a more sustainable way. Currently, around 13% percent of Eurostar passengers flying long-haul into one of SkyTeam’s main European hubs connect to another Eurostar destination by rail.
“Working with Eurostar as our first non-airline partner underscores SkyTeam’s commitment to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience by incorporating intermodal travel”, said SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux. “One of the world’s most-loved train operators, with a reputation for customer service, Eurostar is a natural fit for SkyTeam. I look forward to developing our partnership and offering customers greater choice in how they travel across SkyTeam’s global network.”
KLM, a SkyTeam member, already has a long-standing partnership with Eurostar to connect Amsterdam and Brussels. 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, according to a joint press release from the airline alliance and rail operator.
“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”, said Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave. “Today is a major step forward towards this mission.”
The two companies will work together in the coming months to create a more integrated experience for air-to-rail travel, ensuring customers can enjoy the benefits of both transport modes. The partnership is expected to launch in the first half of 2025.
