British Airways considers secondary Chinese cities, possible codeshare with China Southern

British Airways (BA) looks increasingly likely finally to enter secondary Chinese cities, becoming the last major European carrier venturing beyond the main gateways to lesser known destinations - but with populations greatly exceeding those of European counterparts. London Heathrow slots gained from the acquisition of bmi and the introduction of additional long-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 787, are bringing cities - as flagged by BA - such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou and X'ian into focus as candidates.

BA has also struggled with finding a mainland partner carrier, but now looks likely to find a solution with a codeshare with SkyTeam's China Southern.

The potential partnership adds to the alliance rethink that BA, and parent company IAG, are going through as they seek to adjust to a new world order. Qatar Airways, at the welcoming of IAG's Willie Walsh, is expected to join the oneworld alliance, with an announcement possibly merely weeks away.