Juneyao Airlines to join alliance by year-end

Juneyao Airlines will join a global alliance by year-end in an effort to facilitate rapid international expansion, according to chairman Wang Junjin. Wang said that Juneyao has contacted alliances and has entered into discussions, but made it clear it won’t join SkyTeam, which China Eastern joined in 2011. It is widely speculated the carrier may join Star Alliance. Air China joined Star in 2007. If Juneyao also joins, Star Alliance would boost its market shares to 23% from 11% in Shanghai (Pudong) Airport and increase its market shares to 20% from 11% in Shang (Hongqiao) Airport. SkyTeam’s market share is 45%. Juneyao is also expected to expand its fleet; Wang noted it is scheduled to take delivery of 10 Airbus A320 family aircraft this year to open more new routes to Thailand and other neighbouring countries. <br/>