Beirut, SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, today announced that Middle East Airlines – Air Liban (MEA) as its 17th member. The flag carrier of Lebanon, MEA becomes SkyTeam’s second Middle Eastern member.

From its home base in Beirut, MEA flies to 30 international destinations throughout Africa, the Middle East and Europe. China has become an increasingly important trade partner for the Middle East. With members China Airlines, China Eastern and China Southern.

Michael Wisbrun, SkyTeam’s managing director said, “By welcoming MEA into SkyTeam we are offering our customers increased travel options to and from Lebanon, particularly given its strong trade links with the Gulf Region, Asia, Africa and the Americas - all regions with a considerable SkyTeam footprint.” 

Mohamad El-Hout MEA chairman - director general  added, “Joining SkyTeam allows us to expand our global reach and offer our customers hundreds more worldwide destinations.

“Becoming a SkyTeam member is integral to our strategy for growth and increased profitability as we look forward to a future of cooperation with our alliance partners.” 

Effective immediately, MEA customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on services operated by all SkyTeam member airlines. Members of other SkyTeam airlines’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and redeem miles when flying on MEA operated flights. MEA’s membership and integration into the alliance is sponsored by founding SkyTeam member Air France.