SkyTeam associate members, sponsored by full SkyTeam members, benefit from all the advantages of a major alliance, without having to comply with the strategic criteria required from member carriers. They contribute financially to the SkyTeam budget and must meet some IT requirements, as well as combine their frequent flyer program with those of the member airlines.

This reinforced cooperation program enables SkyTeam to extend its network and services to new regions in the world.

In 2007, three airlines joined SkyTeam as associate airlines: Air Europa, Copa and Kenya Airways.