Continental Airlines and China Southern Airlines have entered into a strategic partnership for extensive codesharing on routes between the US and China.

"As we look to build upon our successful service to China, we are honoured to partner with China Southern," said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines. "China Southern is the right partner for us in China and we look forward to welcoming them into the SkyTeam alliance in the very near future."

The collaboration with a leading US carrier is expected to increase China Southern's market share on trans-Pacific routes and in the US domestic market, according to China Southern chairman Liu Shao Yong.

The airlines plan to begin codesharing in November. Continental will place its code (CO) on China Southern flights connecting to Continental's daily flight between New York and Beijing, and on China Southern's flights between Guangzhou and Los Angeles. At the same time, China Southern will place its code (CZ) on Continental flights connecting with China Southern at Los Angeles.