Korean Air announced that it inked a loyalty program partnership agreement with Accor Hotel group in Paris.

The new partnership will allow Korean Air's Skypass members to earn miles when they stay at the Sofitel, Novotel or Mercure hotels. Beginning January 1, 2007, 500 miles will be accrued for each stay at Sofitel. A stay at Novotel or Mercure will be worth 250 miles. These three chains account for 1,321 hotels in 54 countries (Oceania region excluded). To receive miles, Skypass members should inform the hotel of the Skypass account number at time of reservation or show the card at registration.

To promote the newly formed partnership, Korean Air and Accor Hotels offers multiple miles from January 1 to March 31, 2007. During the three month period, Skypass members staying at a Sofitel hotel in the Asia region can earn four times the normal mileage. Those members staying at a Novotel or Mercure hotel in Asia, Europe, North America, Middle East or Africa will be awarded double miles.

Korean Air already has mileage partnerships with many hotel chains. Skypass members can earn miles at numerous Hyatt, Hilton, Intercontinental, Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-la, Waikiki Resort hotels. Korean Air also offers miles at hotels it owns and operates in Korea's Jeju and Seogwipo, Los Angeles and Honolulu.

With Accor Hotel benefits starting next January, Korean Air plans to expand its partnership agreements with other famous worldwide hotel chains, such as Starwood Hotels of Westin and Sheraton hotels and Marriott Hotels of Marriott and Renaissance hotels.