China Cargo Airlines to join SkyTeam Cargo in 2013

SHANGHAI - China Cargo Airlines, China's first and largest all-cargo airline, is expected to join SkyTeam Cargo, the world's largest cargo alliance by the end of June 2013 to expand its international network, a top executive said Wednesday.

Joining SkyTeam Cargo conforms to the long-term interests of China Cargo Airlines. It can learn from member airlines and better cope with fierce international competition as part of the alliance, said China Cargo Airlines general manager Zhu Yimin at an aviation logistics exhibition in Shanghai.

China Cargo Airlines was established in 1998 and is a joint venture between China Eastern Airlines and China Ocean Shipping Company. It has 19 airplanes and operates 16 cargo routes to 20 major cities over the world, including Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Paris and Milan.

SkyTeam Cargo was founded in 2000 and has 9 member airlines throughout the world. China Southern Airlines joined the cargo alliance in 2010.