Xiamen Airlines has officially been accepted to the SkyTeam alliance, with full entry slated for the end of 2012.
The news came shortly after China Airlines joined SkyTeam in September (see story here), strengthening the alliance’s coverage of the Chinese market.
By joining SkyTeam, Xiamen Airlines will offer passengers access to the alliance’s strong network of 173 countries served by 15 member carriers.
“SkyTeam has long recognised the region’s huge economic potential. Xiamen Airlines’ membership in SkyTeam will strengthen our offer in the southeastern part of China and the cross-strait markets,” said Michael Wisbrun, managing director of SkyTeam. “While we further capitalise on the expanding network, our members in China will work together to enhance alliance-wide benefits for our customers.”
The Xiamen-based carrier operates both regional and domestic networks, but 90 per cent of its destinations are within Mainland China. It aims to launch long-haul international routes to Australia, Europe and North America in 2014.
“Membership in SkyTeam will enable us to expand our intercontinental network offering, in cooperation with our partners in the alliance,” said Che Shanglun, the president of Xiamen Airlines.
For more information, visit www.skyteam.com or www.xiamenair.com.cn (In Chinese only).
Alisha Haridasani
