Taiwan's China Airlines has formally been accepted as the 15th member of the SkyTeam alliance.
At an event in Taipei, the carrier called the event a "groundbreaking page in Taiwan's aviation history".
"Joining SkyTeam is an integral part of our strategy for increased international growth and profitability," said China Airlines chairman Chang Chia Juch.
The alliance allows passengers on China Airlines and other SkyTeam members to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by all SkyTeam carriers.
This will particularly help corporate clients on all the airlines and give them more access to the Greater China region, SkyTeam said.
The combined network of China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, which are existing SkyTeam members, and China Airlines gives the alliance access to 20 major destinations in China on cross-straits routes.
"Thanks to excellent links to a number of existing SkyTeam hubs, China Airlines' membership adds value to the alliance for both passengers and cargo customers," said Leo van Wijk, SkyTeam's chairman.
"Adding a quality brand from a strong economic region will support SkyTeam's focus on... enhancing our products and services," van Wijk added.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
