Chinese carrier Xiamen Airlines has completed procedures to become a full member of Skyteam, and will be the alliance’s fourth member from the greater China region.
“Membership of Skyteam will enable us to deliver enhanced customer benefits as we diversify and grow our network, and this is key to the success of our new international routes,” said Che Shanglun, president and chief executive of Xiamen Airlines. “Our passengers can anticipate exciting new destinations while we look forward to a future of cooperation with our alliance partners.”
Business Traveller first reported that the airline had been accepted into the alliance in November last year (see here).
Xiamen Airlines is the 19th airline to join the alliance. Other members include China Airlines, China Eastern and China Southern, Aeroméxico, Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Delta, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air and Vietnam Airlines.
Xiamen Airlines adds over 220 routes to the Skyteam network to and from more than 50 major cities in south and northeast Asia, including Hong Kong and Macau.
The carriers’ entry into Skyteam means that its Egret Frequent Flyer members can now earn and redeem points on flights operated by all 19 partner airlines, and will have access to over 500 lounges worldwide. Members of frequent flyer programmes of other Skyteam airlines can also earn and redeem points when using Xiamen Airlines.
A growing number of airlines from the greater China region have recently been joining international airline alliances. For example Shenzhen Airlines, the carrier largely owned by Air China – which is itself a member – will gain full membership to Star Alliance by the end of the year (see here). In March, the alliance also announced that Taiwanese carrier Eva Air is undergoing processes to be fully integrated (see here).
Nicholas Olczak
