ATW Reports: China Eastern Airlines will sign a binding agreement with SkyTeam next month, according to alliance MD Marie-Joseph Male.

The carrier signed a letter of intent to join the alliance last month (ATWOnline, April 19 [2]). "We have formed a special team to help CEA meet SkyTeam's various requirements regarding IT systems, frequent-flyer program and marketing so that it will be in line with the standards of the other SkyTeam member carriers," Male said.

He predicted the Shanghai-based airline will gain formal membership in 12-16 months. Air China and Shanghai Airlines are Star Alliance members and ChinaSouthern is a member of SkyTeam. CZ is CEA's sponsor to join the alliance. With CEA in the process of merging with SAL, it is widely expected that SAL will withdraw from Star and join SkyTeam. Male said he hoped SAL will join the alliance.

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US Air Transport Assn. said April passenger revenue rose 12.5% compared to April 2009 based on data provided by a sample of its member carriers, marking the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year improvement.

The rate of improvement slowed somewhat from March 2010, however, when passenger revenue rose 15.4% year-over-year.

April passenger numbers were up 0.5% compared to the year-ago month, while average yield grew 14%. Domestic yield climbed 11.5% to 15.06 cents, Atlantic yield rose 23.4% to 12.20 cents, Latin yield lifted 9.3% to 13.77 cents and Pacific yield gained 22.1% to 12.34 cents.

Cargo traffic (RTMs) grew 22% in March, the most recent month for which data are available, ATA said. This was driven by increased international trade, with international RTMs up 30% and domestic RTMs ahead 12%.