Air Serbia and China Southern Airlines enhance cooperation, signing a Memorandum of Understanding in Belgrade to expand code-sharing, cargo, and more, aiming for a joint venture.
Air Serbia and the national airline of the People’s Republic of China, China Southern Airlines, have agreed to further enhance their commercial cooperation. On this occasion, Air Serbia General Manager Commercial and Strategy, Boško Rupic and China Southern Airlines Director General of Commercial Steering Committee, Wang Zhen, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Belgrade. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the companies will negotiate to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including, among others, code-share partnership, cargo operations, ground handling services, MRO, catering, lounge cooperation options within their networks, and more.
In their desire to offer passengers higher quality, more competitive, and cost-effective services, the Serbian and Chinese national airlines are exploring possibilities for further commercial cooperation that could potentially lead to joint venture.
“Air Serbia’s strategic plans are closely linked with the development of operations to the People’s Republic of China. For almost two years, we have been successfully operating flights to Tianjin, and on 30 September, for the first time, we are introducing a direct service between Belgrade and Guangzhou, while by the end of 2024, we also plan to commence a service to Shanghai. The Memorandum of Understanding signed with China Southern Airlines represents an important step in strengthening the relationship between our companies, as well as between our countries. Along with expanding commercial cooperation, which ensures even better connectivity between Serbia and China and opens up new opportunities for passengers, we are also considering joint venture. Opportunities lie ahead, and we will strive to make the most of them wisely” said Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia.
“China Southern Airlines has recently launched a new route from Guangzhou to Belgrade at the end of September, which will significantly enhance connectivity between China and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a key step in China Southern Airlines’ commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative and a Belgrade, 1 October 2024. New starting point for its cooperation with Air Serbia. Looking ahead, China Southern Airlines and Air Serbia will work closely together to provide passengers with a more seamless and exceptional customer experience,” said Han Wensheng, President of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited.
So far, Air Serbia and China Southern Airlines have cooperated based on an interline agreement in the form of a so-called special prorate agreement, which has provided additional travel options for passengers between Belgrade and Guangzhou via common points in the traffic networks of both carriers. The introduction of a direct service between the capital of Serbia and the city of Guangzhou in the People’s Republic of China will open additional opportunities for significantly enhancing this cooperation through more connection points across the traffic networks of both airlines via Guangzhou and Belgrade.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.