Hainan Airlines seeking to join global alliance, Cathay still an obstacle

Hainan Airlines revealed at the IATA annual meeting plans to commence negotiations with global airline alliances as it seeks to expedite its international expansion (Yicai.com, 08-Jun-2010). The carrier has not revealed which alliance it hopes to join. According to Hainan Airlines, Cathay Pacific was an obstacle to it joining oneworld several years ago and remains against the carrier joining the alliance today. Any mainland carrier wishing to join oneworld will need Cathay to act as a sponsor airline. Air China is a member of the Star Alliance while China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines have announced their membership with SkyTeam.