China Southern to become first Chinese airline to join global cargo alliance

China Southern Airlines stated the carrier would become the first Chinese airline to join a global cargo alliance by Nov-2010, with the carrier expected to gain full membership status at SkyTeam Cargo (AvBuyer, 11-Mar-2010). The carrier has had passenger membership since Nov-2007 and has been working to improve aspects of its operations, including safety auditing, fleet renewal and expansion, hub development, service improvement, IT and branding, with the ultimate aim of becoming a member of the cargo alliance. The carrier currently operates two B747-400Fs and two B777-200Fs from Shanghai Pudong to Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Chicago O'Hare, with plans to add a further four B777-200Fs by the end of 2011, to support the launch of services to Vienna, New York JFK, Dallas/Fort Worth and other major destinations in Europe and North America from both Shanghai and Guangzhou Baiyun. SkyTeam Cargo currently comprises the cargo arms of AeroMexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM and Korean Air.