Reuters
China Southern aims to join global airline alliance
Sunday August 22, 10:06 pm ET
SHANGHAI, Aug 23 (Reuters) - China Southern Airlines Ltd, the country's largest carrier, is expecting to become the first Chinese airline to join a global alliance, beating domestic rivals to the punch in expanding its worldwide network.
China Southern will sign a memorandum of understanding on Saturday to enter SkyTeam, an alliance whose members include Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air, an airline spokesman said on Monday.
The spokesman for the Guangzhou-based airline declined to give further details.
Last year, Air China and United Airlines signed a code-share deal, which analysts saw as a first step for Air China to join the world's biggest airline network, Star Alliance, anchored by United and Lufthansa AG.
Alliances help member airlines effectively extend their networks through connections and code shares -- which allow partners to sell tickets on each other's flights.
It also allows passengers to take advantage of joint frequent-flyer programmes.
China is one of the world's fastest-growing travel markets with an emerging middle class driving demand for business and leisure travel.




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