The addition of China Southern Cargo to SkyTeam Cargo will significantly strengthen its global footprint. With its extensive domestic route network and strong exposure in Central Asia, Northeast Asia and the Middle East, China Southern Cargo will greatly enhance the network and sales opportunities of the alliance.

Chen Gang, Executive Vice President of China Southern and Mr. Leo van Wijk, Chairman of SkyTeam, signed the China Southern Cargo Alliance Adherence Agreement at the International Air Cargo Forum and Exposition in Amsterdam. China Southern Cargo becomes the first Chinese carrier to join a global air cargo alliance.

Chen Gang said: 'China Southern Airlines is implementing a development strategy which will transform it into an international, network-oriented airline. We have been looking forward to cooperating with leading airlines around the world to speed up our integration into the international aviation industry, build up our brand awareness and enhance our international competitiveness. SkyTeam Cargo is the perfect platform that allows us to obtain this goal.'

Leo van Wijk said: 'It is my privilege to welcome China Southern Cargo as our first carrier from China and as our eighth member to the SkyTeam Cargo alliance. An important new milestone has been reached as SkyTeam Cargo members connect with the biggest airline in China. Customers can enjoy the standardized product line and services offered by SkyTeam Cargo, creating tremendous opportunities for a connection to the booming Chinese market and its remarkable double digit growth.'

China Southern Cargo's membership with SkyTeam Cargo provides a solid platform to learn from SkyTeam Cargo member carriers, integrating itself with international First Class standards in areas such as governance and international competitiveness positioning.

Now that China Southern Cargo has joined SkyTeam Cargo, it will provide unique, standard and seamless air freight service and bring more benefits to customers via close cooperation with each of the SkyTeam Cargo member carriers.

China Southern will launch the SkyTeam Cargo common product line, including Equation, Cohesion, Variation and Dimension on its international routes to meet diversified customer needs and increase customer satisfaction.

In addition, China Southern will adopt SkyTeam Cargo unified service standards, simplify handling procedures and enhance ground service quality through SkyTeam Cargo joint purchasing initiatives in selected markets.