moondog

I predict that both AA and CZ will expand in Daxing in a major way (e.g. this is why AA is attempting to warehouse its PEK/SHA slots). I can't envision CX permitting CZ to join OW, but you never know.

tris06

From skyteam website:

"What will happen to my SkyTeam benefits, like earning or using frequent flyer miles, airport lounges, SkyPriority or Go Around the World pass? And will that change immediately after 1 January 2019?
Customers are our priority. Things will change, but it will not happen overnight. SkyTeam and China Southern have agreed to work together throughout 2019 to ensure a seamless transition for all of our customers. We will keep you updated in the coming weeks and months."

While a bit hard to read between the lines I think it is likely skyteam members will still be able to get lounge access and earn mileage for a while longer. I also doubt skyteam wont announce at such short notice end of benefitsbPlus China Southern still gains from giving benefits to skyteam elite plus and their own members continuing to use the skyteam network for the short to medium term. What China southern wants is to develop more with AA and other non skyteam members where skyteam agreements were limiting it currently from doing that.

I think Oneworld membership is far from certain considering CZ has 2 hubs So close to Hong Kong CX(CAN and SZX...SZX CZ is growing its international network). CX could easily veto them joining. So if that happens CZ could more likely be like Emirates which selectively allows partnerships.

At least I feel more confident now booking next month for Chinese New Years domestic flight to and from Chongqing, getting lounge access as well as other benefits.

dinanm3atl

My guess is like when Alaska bounced. It 'ends' on Jan 1st 2019 but people that already booked will get the benefits/earnings. Thus the true 'end' will be Jan 1st 2020.

Goldorak

K.L

This is a very interesting question,I think it will be canceled from a commercial point of view. After all, China Southern contributed half of the lounge，
From a political point of view, China Southern will not withdraw，Because the greater China connection agreement is set for political reasons.

ernestnywang

TPECZ sent a notice today to Taiwanese travel agents. Some wordings are still unclear, but it gives more information.

This roughly translates to:
CZ decided to not renew its agreement with SkyTeam eff. 01JAN2019 and will complete all transition work by 31DEC2019. In order to protect the rights of passengers,
1. All passengers who purchased a CZ ticket during the transition period travelling on or before 31DEC2019 will still enjoy the same SkyTeam services.
2. All passengers who purchased a CZ-sold SkyTeam product or a SkyTeam member-sold CZ product before/during [unclear, suspect to be a typo] the transition period will still enjoy transfer services, lounge services, and FFP mileage accrual services.
3. During the transition period, CZ will no longer sell SkyTeam products.

tris06

Thanks for that update. Yes the end of skyteam benefits will be until end of 2019 which is good to know and might be tempted to try the new lounge at Daxing airport lounge before it all wraps up. I think Daxing will open a couple of months before the end of 2019.

Still hoping there might be some continuing relations (and hence continuing benefits) with some skyteam airlines. For those not living in China, China eastern probably has enough to cover everything.

tris06

Still no news of when skyteam earning and benefits will cease . I would assume at latest that they would formally announce no later than the begining of November if skyteam benefits cease by the end of this year. Also no recent chat about Oneworld membership.

moondog

1. 12/31/2019
2. Oneworld membership?

dici

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3015716/china-southern-airlines-eyes-world-domination-it-puts-plans-join


Currently their plan is to expand massively and not joining any other alliance. Let see how it will be next year

tris06

Yeah well that was the worded statement that it would take a year to unravel themselves from the alliance. But still they will need to inform people officially. There is also a good chance the "Greater china connection alliance" between 4 airlines (CZ,MU,MF and CI) may very well continue. I think it is unlikely now that they will join Oneworld unless their business under performs in the near future. More airlines want the freedom to choose who to partner up with.

moondog

IMO, the combination of PKX and the AA partnership is a huge deal.