American Airlines and Beijing-based Hainan Airlines have signed an agreement to codeshare on each other’s flights and to offer their frequent flyer members new opportunities to earn and redeem miles/points.

The agreement, subject to government approval, will open many new markets that will complement American’s existing service to China.

Currently, American operates non-stop service in three markets: Chicago O’Hare-Beijing, Chicago O’Hare-Shanghai and Los Angeles-Shanghai.

From its cornerstone hubs at Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles, American and American Eagle offer more than 450 and more than 150 daily departures, respectively.

Hou Wei, Hainan’s chief marketing Officer, said: “This agreement has the potential to make travelling between China and the United States – and beyond – considerably more attractive for our customers with improved connections and increased frequent flyer benefits.”

Hainan operates more than 2,800 weekly flights to cities throughout China as well as international destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

From its Beijing hub, Hainan offers more than 400 weekly flights, including service to more than 40 Chinese cities.

It is the second major deal in as many weeks for the Beijing-based carrier, with Hainan Airlines having recently linked up with World’s Leading Airline Etihad Airways.