Air Serbia and China Southern Airlines have signed a significant codeshare agreement, strengthening the air bridge between Serbia and China. This partnership enhances connectivity for travellers flying between Europe and Asia, marking a pivotal moment in the deepening relations between the two national carriers.
Why Air Serbia Partnered with China Southern
This partnership is a strategic move that aligns with Serbia’s broader geopolitical and economic relationships with China. The two nations have deepened ties through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and aviation is a natural extension of this collaboration, fostering tourism, business, and trade.
For Air Serbia, the partnership provides an opportunity to expand its long-haul network without the significant costs of launching independent operations to multiple Asian destinations. By codesharing with China Southern, Air Serbia can offer passengers seamless access to major cities across China, Southeast Asia, and even Australia and New Zealand.
From a regional perspective, Belgrade is positioning itself as a key transit hub between China and Europe. Unlike Western European countries with multiple direct links to China, Serbia and the Balkans have fewer direct air routes, making this partnership a game-changer for connectivity in the region. The agreement also benefits China Southern, giving its passengers easier access to 21 European destinations via Belgrade, bypassing traditional hubs like Frankfurt and London.
Additionally, Serbia’s visa-free policy for Chinese travellers makes it an attractive gateway for Chinese tourists and business visitors. This agreement enhances the passenger experience by implementing an interline baggage and ticketing agreement, ensuring a hassle-free transfer between flights operated by both airlines.
Seamless Travel Across Continents
Under the newly established agreement, Air Serbia has placed its ‘JU’ code on China Southern Airlines’ direct Belgrade-Guangzhou flights. This move grants Air Serbia passengers seamless access to 20 destinations within China Southern’s extensive network, including major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Singapore, Phuket, Bangkok, Seoul, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur.
Conversely, China Southern Airlines has added its ‘CZ’ code to Air Serbia’s direct flights between Belgrade and Guangzhou, as well as the Belgrade-Shanghai route. This expansion provides passengers from southern China with improved connectivity via Belgrade to 21 key European destinations, including Berlin, Milan, Zurich, and Bologna.
Strategic Expansion and Future Collaboration
The partnership builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two airlines in September 2024. Beyond codesharing, the MoU outlines deeper collaboration in areas such as cargo operations, ground handling services, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), inflight catering, and reciprocal lounge access. Additionally, both airlines are exploring further commercial cooperation, including potential joint investments.
Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiří Marek, emphasized the strategic importance of this agreement:
“Over three months ago, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Southern Airlines to enhance connectivity between Serbia and China. The introduction of direct routes between Belgrade and Guangzhou and Shanghai has unlocked further opportunities for expansion across both our networks. We will continue seeking ways to strengthen and broaden our cooperation to provide passengers with new travel options and faster, more convenient connections.”
Strengthening the Air Silk Road
China Southern Airlines, one of the world’s largest carriers, sees this partnership as a crucial step in bolstering ties between China and Serbia. The agreement aligns with broader efforts to enhance air connectivity under the framework of the Air Silk Road initiative, a growing aviation corridor that supports economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between the two countries.
Following the launch of direct flights between Guangzhou and Belgrade, China Southern Airlines has positioned itself as a key player in fostering connectivity between China and Eastern Europe. These developments come as the airline continues to navigate shifting regional dynamics, including reduced routes to Southeast Asia, while reinforcing its commitment to expanding its European footprint.
Enhanced Passenger Experience and Economic Benefits
Beyond connectivity, the codeshare agreement brings added convenience for travellers. The airlines have implemented an interline baggage and ticketing agreement, allowing passengers to transfer seamlessly between flights without the hassle of re-checking their luggage. This streamlined process enhances the travel experience and supports the growing demand for business, tourism, and student travel between China and Serbia.
Furthermore, the Guangzhou-Belgrade route, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offers a comfortable journey with 28 business-class seats and 268 economy seats. This service also marks the first time a Dreamliner has been regularly operated to Belgrade, reinforcing the city’s growing significance as a regional aviation hub.
Conclusion: A New Era of Cooperation
The Air Serbia-China Southern Airlines partnership signals a new era of enhanced connectivity between Europe and Asia. By expanding travel options and streamlining connections, both airlines are set to benefit from increased passenger traffic and commercial collaboration. As they continue to strengthen their cooperation, this agreement paves the way for a more interconnected global aviation landscape, offering travellers greater accessibility to key destinations across both continents.
