American Airlines recently deepened its relationship with China Southern Airlines with the start of a new frequent flyer partnership.
Members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage and China Southern’s Sky Pearl Club are now able to earn and redeem air miles on each other’s flights.
Initially AAdvantage members will have to make onward bookings within China on China Southern flights via an American Airlines call center.
Online availability for this will roll out by late 2019, the airline said.
Loyalty members can also book flights directly via the other carrier’s website and earn benefits.
The partnership also offers lounge access across the two airline’s networks.
American purchased a stake in China Southern in 2017, which was expected to lead to a deeper tie-up between the two carriers sooner or later.
China Southern Airlines recently pulled out of the SkyTeam alliance and speculation has been rife that Asia’s largest airline would join American at Oneworld, although this hasn’t happened yet.
