China Southern, one of the world’s largest airlines, is reportedly eyeing a potential move to join the Oneworld Alliance. This move would be significant, as it would further strengthen the alliance and expand its network within the Chinese aviation market.
Established in 1988, China Southern has grown into a major player in the aviation market. With a fleet of over 600 aircraft, it’s one of the largest airlines globally, serving over 200 destinations. The airline was a member of the SkyTeam alliance for 10 years but decided to leave in 2019, paving the way for new partnership opportunities.
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Factors Driving the Decision
Two major Oneworld Alliance airlines, Qatar Airways and American Airlines, both hold stakes of about 5% in China Southern, which could influence the airline’s decision to join the alliance. Additionally, China Southern has an extensive commercial partnership with British Airways and is a codeshare partner of Finnair, both Oneworld members. The move to join Oneworld was expected in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the plans, as reported by Simple Flying.
Despite the potential benefits of China Southern joining Oneworld, there are concerns from Cathay Pacific, another member of the alliance. The geographical proximity between Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong headquarters and China Southern’s Guangzhou headquarters, located within 100 miles of each other, raises questions about the logistics and potential market overlap, as mentioned in View from the Wing. As an alternative, China Southern could consider becoming a Oneworld Connect partner instead of a full member, offering a more limited partnership with the alliance.
Oneworld Membership Requirements and Sponsorship
To join the Oneworld alliance, an airline requires a sponsor, which is typically an existing member. For instance, Oman Air was sponsored by Qatar Airways, while Alaska Airlines was sponsored by American Airlines. In the case of China Southern, it is likely that one of its stakeholders, such as Qatar Airways or American Airlines, could act as a sponsor.
The Oneworld alliance has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the addition of Royal Air Maroc, Oman Air, and Alaska Airlines. Additionally, there are hints that RwandAir may also join the alliance in the future. This growth highlights the alliance’s strength and appeal in the aviation industry.
Conclusion
China Southern’s potential move to join the Oneworld alliance would bring both benefits and challenges. The addition of such a significant player in the aviation market would strengthen the alliance and expand its reach within China. However, concerns from Cathay Pacific and the geographic proximity of the two airlines’ headquarters must be addressed. As the Oneworld alliance continues to grow and evolve, the impact on passengers and the aviation market will be closely monitored.
