Air China and United Airlines have signed an agreement that expands their existing strategic partnership. With the new long term agreement, Air China and United will established a joint initiative to improve the coordination of routes and schedules between the airlines. This will serve to enhance the product service to their customers in US and China. The improvements will include expanding connecting flight options, enhancement of the joint operation route experience for customers, improving benefits for elite frequent flyers, and the coordination and expansion of its joint marketing operations. The new initiative will be led by senior executives at both airlines, who will hold regularly scheduled meetings to coordinate the rollout of new initiatives, promote the integration of cultures, and prep both companies for the possible future expansion of the existing agreements.
Air China and United Airlines joint Pacific operations
United Airlines currently operates three nonstop routes to mainland China from its San Francisco International Airport gateway hub. United will also be launching new nonstop service to an additional two cities in mainland China when service to Xi’an starts on May 8, 2016, and Hangzhou beginning on July 13, 2016. Both of those new routes are pending government approval. Air China and United Airlines are both members of the Star Alliance, operating codeshare flights on 47 routes in China, 72 routes in the US and Mexico, and 16 Pacific routes between China and the United States.
Image from airchina.com