Xiamen Airlines to join SkyTeam in 2012, strengthening the alliance’s presence in China

The SkyTeam alliance has taken another step forward in cementing its place in the fast-growing North Asian aviation market with Xiamen Airlines, China's fourth largest carrier and Asia's ninth largest carrier by seats, being formally accepted into the SkyTeam alliance on 17-Nov-2011. Xiamen Airlines will commence the joining process leading to full entry into SkyTeam by the end of 2012.

While few in the aviation industry would name Xiamen Airlines in the list of leading Asia Pacific airlines, it has grown to become a key name to watch in the market. The chiefly domestic Chinese airline is also one of the world's most consistently profitable, notching 24 consecutive years in the black - an amazing achievement given the volatility in the industry over this period. Further healthy growth by Xiamen Airlines is expected amid strong domestic and regional expansion.