Qatar Airways and China Southern Enhance Codeshare Partnership for Better Connectivity
Alexandra
Expanded Flights Between Doha and Beijing Ahead of Key Travel Period
Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have significantly expanded their codeshare partnership, increasing flight frequencies between Doha and Beijing in anticipation of China’s Golden Week holiday. This move follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, highlighting both airlines’ commitment to improving global connectivity for travelers originating from China.
From October 16, 2025, Qatar Airways will add its flight code onto China Southern’s three weekly direct flights connecting Beijing Daxing Airport and Doha. In parallel, China Southern will extend its “CZ” flight code to cover 15 more destinations served by Qatar Airways outside Doha, spanning notable cities such as Amman, Athens, Barcelona, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Madrid, and Munich.
Official Statements on Partnership Growth
Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, commented on this expansion: “Our partnership with China Southern sets new industry standards. Every Qatar Airways route to China has now become readily available to China Southern passengers. This expansion, perfectly timed for the Golden Week, gives travelers from China unmatched access through Doha to over 170 destinations globally via the award-winning Hamad International Airport.”
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This initiative builds on existing codeshare flights, with Qatar Airways already sharing codes on China Southern’s Guangzhou-Doha service since April 2024. Pending government approvals, China Southern plans to expand its codeshare coverage on Qatar Airways flights from Doha to major Chinese cities including Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.
China Southern’s Growing Role in International Flight Network
Beijing Daxing serves as China Southern’s second major Chinese hub with direct non-stop flights to Doha. Other carriers, like Qatar Airways and Xiamen Airlines, also provide daily connections between Beijing and Doha, reinforcing the airport’s strategic importance in the growing international network.
Han Wensheng, President and CEO of China Southern Airlines, emphasized the importance of Beijing Daxing: “It is a pillar of our international growth strategy. Enhancing our Doha routes strengthens its status alongside Guangzhou, allowing Chinese travelers easier access to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Partnering with Qatar Airways reinforces our goal of expanding worldwide connectivity and providing top-tier services.”
New Flight Frequencies and Coverage
| Airline | Route | Frequency | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Southern Airlines | Beijing Daxing – Doha | 3 weekly flights | Qatar Airways shares flight code |
| Qatar Airways | Guangzhou – Doha | Existing service | China Southern code shared since April 2024 |
| China Southern Airlines | Doha – Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Shanghai | Pending approval | New codeshare expansions planned |
| Qatar Airways, China Southern, Xiamen Airlines | Greater China to Doha and beyond | 64 weekly flights | Extensive network collaboration |
Historical Context: Evolution of Airline Codeshares and Global Networks
Codeshare agreements like the one between Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines represent a well-established strategy in international aviation to maximize route coverage, increase passenger convenience, and reduce operational costs. These arrangements allow airlines to sell seats on each other's flights, broadening destinations without additional aircraft deployment.
The airline industry has evolved over nearly a century, starting with the first international air services in the early 20th century, and growing through deregulation, alliances, and technological advancements. Today, state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with innovative features like Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity glide across the skies, providing an unparalleled travel experience on these interconnected routes.
In China, air travel has witnessed rapid growth, with airport capacities expanding significantly, including the opening of Beijing Daxing, a massive aviation hub developed to meet soaring passenger demand. China Southern Airlines, one of the country’s biggest carriers, has been instrumental in connecting China more deeply with the globe, especially as the middle-class population and outbound tourism continue to expand.
Key Phases in International Airline Collaboration
- 1920s-1930s: Formation of national airlines supporting colonial and intercontinental travel routes.
- Post-WWII: Expansion of scheduled services and introduction of commercial jet airliners.
- Late 20th century: Airline deregulation and the rise of open skies agreements promoting competition.
- Modern era: Proliferation of codeshare agreements and global alliances enhancing passenger connectivity.
Outlook on Connectivity and Its Impact on Global Travel and Tourism
This expanded partnership between Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines symbolizes more than just added flights; it reflects growing economic exchange, tourism development, and cultural interactions between China, the Middle East, and beyond. The improvement in connectivity especially benefits leisure and business travelers by providing broader choice, smoother transfers, and competitive pricing.
Furthermore, such advancements position Doha as a crucial global hub, boosting its role in international air traffic. For tourists and adventurers who favor yachting or sailing as part of their travel itinerary, increased flight frequency to destinations near marinas and coastal resorts means easier access to prime boating locations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Potential Benefits in Marine Tourism
- Enhanced access to major coastal cities with vibrant marina facilities.
- Simplified connections for yacht charters and boating enthusiasts traveling from China and nearby regions.
- Support for growth in leisure activities like fishing, cruising, and sailing in diverse international waters.
Summary and Conclusion
Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have taken a significant step forward by broadening their codeshare partnership and enhancing flight frequencies between Doha and key Chinese airports. This expansion increases options for passengers, linking China with a wide selection of global destinations through Hamad International Airport, often regarded as one of the top airports worldwide.
The historical development of airline partnerships and the ongoing airline industry evolution contextualize this expansion as a natural progression in meeting increasing travel demand. Looking ahead, this connectivity growth fosters international tourism, especially linking to regions where yacht charter and boating activities are popular alongside traditional sightseeing.
For those interested in exploring yachting, sailing, or simply renting a boat to enjoy sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters, enhanced air networks pave the way for smoother travel plans. To explore and book a sailing yacht or boat for your next trip, the international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, GetBoat.com, offers a superb platform matching varied tastes and budgets, perfectly complementing these new travel opportunities.
