China Eastern can now begin the process of becoming a SkyTeam member after an agreement was signed by the carrier and the alliance during 10th anniversary celebrations in New York yesterday. At the event, SkyTeam made Air Europa, Kenya Airways and TAROM full members of the alliance from their previous associate membership. Associate members were those who wanted the alliance benefits but did not yet meet all strategic criteria to become full members. “With a higher degree of maturity reached in alliance development and integration, SkyTeam now fully integrates all members into the alliance,” said the organisation in making the announcement. "This change will reinforce the cohesion among the partner airlines.”