Air China has agreed to partner with New York-based airline, JetBlue.
The chief executives of the two carriers announced the new partnership yesterday at the 68th IATA AGM in Beijing.
The deal will see Air China and JetBlue offer interline connections between their networks at New York JFK and Los Angeles airports. Tickets are expected to go on sale later this summer. Subject to government approval, Air China plans to codeshare on JetBlue’s domestic US services from the two airports.
“We are pleased to announce this exciting new partnership here in Air China’s hometown,” said Dave Barger, JetBlue’s President & CEO. “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 well-developed networks.”
Jianjiang Cai, Air China’s President and CEO added; “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 travellers of both countries.”
Air China currently offers daily Beijing-New York flights and double daily services between Beijing and LA. Following the launch of the codeshare deal, expected to commence in Q3 this year, Air China’s US-bound travellers will be able to connect to JetBlue’s domestic flights to destinations including Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
