Iberia and China Southern Launch Codeshare, But Frequent Flier Rewards Remain Limited
MADRID – iberia and China Southern Airlines have announced a new codeshare agreement designed to expand travel options between Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The partnership, revealed today, will see Iberia add its “IB” code to China Southern’s Guangzhou to Madrid route, as well as to destinations within China. Conversely, China Southern’s “CZ” code will be applied to most of Iberia’s domestic Spanish flights and select routes in Latin America.
The codeshare flights between Madrid and Guangzhou will operate three times weekly – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
“This alliance is a decisive step in our international growth strategy,” stated María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Chief Commercial, Network Development & Alliances Officer. “It strengthens Madrid’s position as an intercontinental hub and consolidates Iberia’s role as the natural bridge between Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This agreement adds to our flights to Tokyo and Doha and reflects our firm commitment to Asia, offering more options and a travel experience that meets the demands of an increasingly global and competitive market.”
Iberia is leveraging its geographic position to enhance connectivity, already operating daily flights to Doha (with up to three additional frequencies provided by Qatar Airways) and four weekly flights to Tokyo. The Doha route integrates Iberia into a joint business agreement with Qatar airways and British Airways, offering connections to over 200 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
From Madrid, Iberia currently connects passengers to 18 destinations in 16 Latin american countries, 10 direct destinations in the United States, and 46 destinations within Spain.
However, the agreement presents a potential snag for frequent flier program members. While flights booked under the Iberia code can be credited to Iberia’s loyalty program, points cannot be earned in any othre frequent flier scheme. This limitation highlights the complexities of codeshare agreements outside of airline alliances.
The announcement concludes with a note of frustration from observers hoping for a more integrated solution, with one source expressing a desire for China Southern to join the Oneworld alliance.
