Alliance with China Southern in Oneworld ‘could help Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific’
- Mainland China’s biggest airline plans to leave Skyteam alliance, sparking speculation it will join Oneworld
- That would leave the Guangzhou-based carrier on the same side as its near neighbour in Hong Kong
China’s biggest airline’s potential move to the same industry alliance as Cathay Pacific Airways could help, rather than hinder, the Hong Kong carrier, experts have said.
And the fact that China Southern specialises in trips within mainland China, while Cathay Pacific flies further afield and is struggling against cheaper mainland carriers, could mean a boost for both if they teamed up, they said.
Major airlines are in one of three global airline clubs – Skyteam, Star Alliance and Oneworld, of which Cathay Pacific is a key member. Airlines’ frequent flier members can use points collected with one carrier across its alliance, and benefit from a wider variety of destinations on one booking. Code-share arrangements between the allies are common.
