JetBlue and Air China have formed an interline agreement and plan to implement a codeshare deal this year.

The new deal marks JetBlue’s first partnership with a Chinese carrier.

Air China and JetBlue will initially offer interline connections from New York and Los Angeles, starting this summer.

Subject to government approval, Air China this autumn plans to enter into a codeshare with JetBlue and place its “CA” designator on flights operated by JetBlue.

JetBlue CEO Dave Barger said, “The Chinese market continues to be a key portion of the global economy, and so we look forward to connecting business and leisure travelers between both of these well-developed networks.”

Air China CEO Jianjiang Cai said, “The partnership with JetBlue creates many connecting opportunities at Air China’s two strategically important U.S. gateways, New York and Los Angeles. It strengthens both our networks and benefits travelers of both countries.”

Air China operates one daily flight from New York and two daily flights from Los Angeles to Beijing.

JetBlue serves more than 50 destinations with nonstop flights from Kennedy Airport. It flies to three cities (New York, Boston and Fort Lauderdale) from LAX.
Shares of JetBlue Airways Corp. rose 2 cents to $5.25 in midday trading.