CHINA continues in the news with confirmation that China Southern Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding to join SkyTeam, an alliance whose members include Air France, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air, becoming the first airline from the World”s largest country to align itself with a global partnership. Last year, Air China and United Airlines signed a code-share deal, which it was thought could lead to that airline joining Star Alliance. On a more mundane front, figures from Visit London show that since 2000 the number of Chinese visitors to the city has nearly doubled, with 43,000 tourists last year. However the figures could increase significantly this autumn if Britain and China finally sign an agreement awarding Approved Destination Status to the UK. This will enable all Chinese citizens to travel to the UK as tourists if they want to rather than businessmen. In the other direction travellers will be pleased to note that Air China will increase its economy class luggage allowance from 20kg to 30kg on certain fares for its 12 European departure points.
http://www.air-china.co.uk
http://www.chinasouthernair.com/en