Oneworld “in discussions” with China Southern on alliance membership

Global airline alliance Oneworld is in discussions about bringing China Southern Airlines into its ranks, according to people familiar with the matter.

China Southern is the nation’s largest airline with dual hubs in the capital Beijing and the southern city of Guangzhou, where it is headquartered.

Having it join Oneworld could provide other member airlines with valuable access to what prior to Covid was one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets, the people said, asking not to be identified because the details are private.

China Southern has been forging ties with a number of carriers, several of them Oneworld members, after its split from rival group SkyTeam in 2019.

American Airlines and Qatar Airways both hold stakes of around 5% each in China Southern, which also has an extensive commercial partnership with British Airways and a codeshare agreement with Finnair.

A representative for Oneworld said “with respect to other prospective members, at any point in time, we are in dialog with potential candidates but do not comment on any specifics until those discussions have reached a level of maturity where public announcements can be made.”

“With international travel recovering from the pandemic, alliances have become even more important by offering global connectivity for airlines and their customers,” it added.

Representatives for British Airways and American Airlines didn’t respond to requests for comment. China Southern also didn’t respond to requests for comment.

British Airways and American Airlines have been the most vocal and active carriers pushing to convince fellow Oneworld members of the benefits of China Southern’s membership, although no formal application has been made, some of the people said. Any final decision will rest with the Chinese carrier.

One complicating factor around the talks has been China’s Covid Zero policy, which has meant executives from the airlines and the alliance haven’t been able to go to China for face-to-face discussions with China Southern management, one of the people familiar said.

Over the 25 years since the founding of the first global alliance, most of the world’s major airlines have coalesced into three major groupings that help bolster marketing efforts, maximize ticket sales and broaden access to a wider range of routes.

For passengers, the alliances extend perks and rewards including air miles, lounge access, speedy check in and increased luggage allowances across multiple airlines.

Some exceptions, such as Emirates and Etihad Airways, both Gulf carriers, have eschewed membership, though, choosing to forge codeshares or lucrative joint venture pacts on a case-by-case basis.

Oneworld chair and Qatar Airways CEO has made it clear he wants to swell the alliance’s ranks, along with a drive to increase Oneworld's profile and branding, as part of an "aggressive" push for the global group.