Air Serbia and China Southern Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their commercial partnership.
This agreement deepens the existing interline partnership between the two carriers. It also signals Air Serbia’s increased operational presence in China.
Air Serbia: Increased China Presence
This agreement comes as Air Serbia expands its presence in China. The Serbian carrier launched a new direct service between Belgrade and Guangzhou on September 30, 2023.
The collaboration between the two airlines will cover a range of operational activities. This involves code-share partnerships, cargo operations, ground handling, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), catering, and lounge services.
Both carriers aim to offer passengers more competitive, cost-effective, and high-quality services, potentially leading to a joint venture.
Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia, highlighted the significance of these developments. “Our strategic plans are closely tied to expanding operations in China. We’ve been successfully flying to Tianjin for nearly two years. Now we’re launching direct flights to Guangzhou, with plans to add Shanghai by the end of 2024. This memorandum and new route are crucial steps in strengthening ties between our companies and countries.”
The new Belgrade-Guangzhou service, flight JU988, departs at 00:20 twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, using Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Marek added, “Guangzhou is a major industrial and trading center in China. We believe these direct flights will appeal to the business community across Europe and boost tourism, given its proximity to Hong Kong and Macau.”
Han Wensheng, President of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited, emphasized the importance of the new route.
“Our Guangzhou-Belgrade service significantly improves connectivity between China and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. This memorandum demonstrates our commitment to the initiative and marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Serbia.”
Current Operations Under Interline Agreement
Currently, Air Serbia and China Southern Airlines operate under an interline agreement, providing travel options between Belgrade and Guangzhou via shared network points.
The introduction of direct flights will create more opportunities to enhance this cooperation, offering additional connection points across both airlines’ networks.
Air Serbia’s expansion in China began with flights to Tianjin in December 2022, making it one of the few airlines flying to China at that time. This connection has served as a vital link for economic, cultural, and tourist exchanges between Serbia and China.
With the addition of Guangzhou, Air Serbia is further strengthening its position in the Chinese market and providing passengers with more options for travel between Europe and Asia.
Mutual Economic Benefits
The new partnership and route expansion are expected to have significant economic impacts for both countries. By facilitating easier travel and trade, these developments could potentially boost bilateral trade, increase tourism, and foster stronger cultural ties between Serbia and China.
For business travelers, the direct flights to Guangzhou offer more efficient access to one of China’s most important economic hubs, potentially opening up new opportunities for investment and collaboration.
Moreover, this expansion aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to improve connectivity and cooperation between Eurasian countries.
By enhancing air links between Serbia and China, Air Serbia is positioning itself as a key player in this global development strategy, potentially benefiting from increased passenger traffic and cargo operations in the coming years.
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