China's Xiamen Airlines has agreed to join the SkyTeam alliance and is expected to become a full member of the grouping by the end of 2012.
Xiamen's entry into SkyTeam will be supported by its shareholder, China Southern.
While 90% of Xiamen's network is domestic, it is aiming to open long-haul routes to Australia, Europe and North America from 2014.
"Xiamen Airlines' membership in SkyTeam will strengthen our offer in the south eastern part of China and the cross-strait markets," said SkyTeam managing director Michael Wisbrun.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
