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China Southern Airlines officially joins SkyTeam Cargo

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-04 13:40

AMSTERDAM -? Cina Southern Airlines signed the Cargo Alliance Adherence Agreement with the SkyTeam Cargo alliance here on Wednesday and became the eighth member of SkyTeam.

China Southern Airlines is the largest airline in China, whose Cargo operates seven Boeing Freighters and one Airbus Freighters now, with plans to expand its fleet to nine with the introduction of another Boeing in 2011. China Southern Cargo provides intercontinental freighter service from Guangzhou and Shanghai to major European and North American markets.

"China Southern Airlines is implementing a development strategy which will transform it into an international, network-oriented airline. We have been looking forward to cooperating with leading airlines around the world to speed up our integration into the international aviation industry, build up our brand awareness and enhance our international competitiveness, Chen Gang, executive vice president of China Southern Airlines, said at the signing ceremony.

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"SkyTeam Cargo is the perfect platform that allows us to obtain this goal," he added.

According to China Southern, it will launch the SkyTeam Cargo common product line and service initiatives, including Equation, Cohesion, Variation and Dimension on its international routes to meet diversified customer needs and increase customer satisfaction.

In addition, China Southern will adopt SkyTeam Cargo unified service standards, simplify handling procedures and enhance ground service quality through SkyTeam Cargo joint purchasing initiatives in selected markets.

"It is my privilege to welcome China Southern Cargo as our first carrier from China and as our eighth member to the SkyTeam Cargo alliance. An important new milestone has been reached as SkyTeam Cargo members connect with the biggest airline in China," Leo van Wijk, chairman of SkyTeam said.

"Customers can enjoy the standardized product line and services offered by SkyTeam Cargo, creating tremendous opportunities for a connection to the booming Chinese market and its remarkable double digit growth," he added.

The addition of China Southern Cargo to SkyTeam Cargo will significantly strengthen its global footprint. With its extensive domestic route network and strong exposure in Central Asia, Northeast Asia and the Middle East, China Southern Cargo will greatly enhance the network and sales opportunities of the alliance.

SkyTeam Cargo is a world leading air cargo alliance, which was launched in 2000 and celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2010. It's members include Aeromexico Cargo, Air France Cargo, Alitalia Cargo, Czech Airlines Cargo, Delta Cargo, KLM Cargo and Korean Air Cargo. SkyTeam Cargo has more than 11,500 daily flights connecting to more than 140 countries on five continents.