Top Biz News

Air France to bring more flights to China

By Wang Yu (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-09-19 11:31

"We are willing to work more closely with China Eastern. And China Eastern shares the same feeling too," Spinetta said, without elaborating on the status of the arrangement.

As one of China's three major airlines, China Eastern is the only one that has not yet chosen to align itself with an international carrier. Air China is to team up with the Star Alliance, while China Southern will join Skyteam, in which Air France is a founding member.

According to Spinetta, China Eastern is still considering its options in terms of joining a global alliance.

An industrial insider confirmed Spinetta's comment yesterday, revealing that the local carrier is negotiating with potential partner organizations such as Skyteam and OneWorld.

But it is likely China Eastern will reach a final deal with Skyteam, the insider revealed on condition of anonymity.

Besides China Eastern, Air France KLM is also enthusiastic about working more closely with China Southern, who is expected to officially become a Skyteam member in 2007.

At a recent aviation seminar, a senior official with China Southern announced the airline would set up an air cargo company. Spinetta said Air France KLM is interested.