Shanghai Airlines today announced it will become part of SkyTeam under the wings of parent company China Eastern, which is already in the process of joining the alliance in 2011.

China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines merged in February 2009. In June 2010 China Eastern signed an agreement to join SkyTeam. As a result, both Shanghai-based airlines are scheduled to join SkyTeam in 2011.
Shanghai Airlines customers will enjoy SkyTeam alliance benefits such as earning and redeeming of Frequent Flyer Miles across the global network, Elite recognition, priority passenger service and access to more than 420 lounges worldwide. Shanghai Airlines will enter into codeshare agreements with the current SkyTeam members.

SkyTeam Managing Director, Mr. Marie-Joseph Malé, said: “The addition of the combined networks of China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines gives new opportunities for SkyTeam customers to access cities in all regions of China using Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports”.

SkyTeam No. 1 alliance for the Greater China region
After the effective entry in 2011, Shanghai Airlines and its parent company China Eastern will increase the SkyTeam presence in the region as their combined networks add up to that of Guangzhou-based member China Southern. China Airlines, based in Taipei, is also expected to join the alliance in the same period. Together, these four members will cement SkyTeam’s No. 1 position in the Greater China region. China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines will add 32 new destinations to the SkyTeam network.