Eurostar, the international train services operator, and the SkyTeam airline alliance have announced a new partnership. The two organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that paves the way for integrated intermodal journeys via air and rail.
This partnership is a logical expansion for both groups as many SkyTeam carriers in Europe already utilize partnerships with rail operators. SkyTeam member KLM has an existing partnership with Eurostar and Air France has an “Air & Rail” program for passengers traveling through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
Customers will be able to fly into SkyTeam’s main hubs at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) along with other major European airports across Eurostar’s network and connect to a variety of onward destinations via rail.
With Eurostar becoming SkyTeam’s first non-airline partner, customers will be able to travel on itineraries that combine long- and medium-haul flights with rail travel in a single reservation. Passengers will also be able to enjoy SkyTeam benefits during these trips, though we don’t have information on what exactly these benefits entail.
Patrick Roux, SkyTeam’s CEO, had this to say about the partnership:
“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. 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.”
SkyTeam carriers and Eurostar are expected to work together in the coming months to create a more integrated experience for air-to-rail travel. The partnership is expected to officially launch in the first half of 2025.
As someone who has utilized air to rail connections in the past, both protected and unprotected, I’m excited to see this partnership come to fruition. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before I find myself on one of these tickets thanks to KLM’s nonstop route between Austin and Amsterdam.
Summary
Eurostar is partnering with SkyTeam as the airline alliance’s first non-airline member. The partnership, which is expected to officially launch in 2025, is the next step in the evolution of intermodal passenger travel in Europe. KLM and Air France already offer onward connecting opportunities from hubs in Amsterdam and Paris but, soon passengers will get the added benefit of SkyTeam member benefits, though we don’t yet know what that will look line.
(Image courtesy SkyTeam)