Agreements code sharing preserved, recognition of loyalty programmes maintained, the departure from China Southern of the alliance Skyteam could appear to be a non-event. For the Chinese airline, which wanted to regain complete commercial freedom, has not in fact severed all links with its former alliance partners.
Quite the contrary. It continues to operate codeshare agreements with 14 of the 19 Skyteam members, including Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas and Air Europa, Air FranceAlitalia, China Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. The most notable absences are those of China Easternwho has now become a rival, as well as Garuda Indonesiawith which China Southern did very little business. The company will also no longer have an African partner, as the cooperation agreement with China Southern has not been renewed. Kenya Airways.
Members of the China Southern Sky Pearl Club will also continue to earn miles on the 14 airlines mentioned and vice versa. However, business passengers will only be able to use the Skyteam or China Southern lounges on code-share flights. Elite status (silver or gold) will be maintained and recognised by both parties.
The only notable change is the abandonment of the SkyPrioritywhich stands for the chain of services for Premium passengers. Since January 1, it has been replaced by "CZ Priority", but this does not affect Premium travellers in any way.
The departure from Skyteam has already had an impact on the Chinese carrier's strategy over the past year. The airline has already signed a series of bilateral cooperation agreements with carriers. This is the case, for example, with Dubai-based Emirates. However, most of the new cooperation agreements have been signed with airlines belonging to the Oneworld alliance, a development certainly influenced by theAmerican Airlines takes a stake in China Southern.
Unsurprisingly, China Southern's new commercial partners include American Airlines, as well as FinnairJapan Airlines, Qantas and Qatar Airways. On 19 December, China Southern provisionally completed its Oneworld tour with British Airways, with whom it has signed an agreement. This agreement will also enable the respective frequent flyer programmes to be recognised.
