AIR China and US-based low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways have entered into an initial interline agreement that is expected to develop into a codeshare partnership this autumn.
The two airlines will initially offer interline connections between their networks at New York (JFK) and Los Angeles international airports. Tickets are expected to go on sale later this summer.
Subject to government approval, the partnership will be expanded into a codeshare this autumn, with Air China placing its CA designator on flights operated by JetBlue.
Unveiling the deal on the sidelines of the IATA 68th AGM & World Air Transport Summit in Beijing, Dave Barger, JetBlue president & CEO said: “The Chinese market continues to be a key portion of the global economy, and so we look forward to connecting business and leisure travellers between both of these networks.”
Cai Jianjiang, Air China president, said: “The partnership with JetBlue creates many connecting opportunities at Air China’s two US gateways, New York and Los Angeles. It strengthens both our networks and benefits travellers of both countries.”
Air China offers one daily flight from New York and two daily flights from Los Angeles to Beijing Capital Airport. Separate from the JetBlue interline, Air China also operates once a day from San Francisco and Vancouver to Beijing.
Meanwhile, starting October 1, Air China will deploy brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its New York route. The plane, which offer eight first-class, 41 business-class and 259 economy seats, is already operated on its Los Angeles flights.
