China Southern Aims for U.S. Growth

China Southern Airlines is expanding its international reach, focusing on increasing flights to the US. The airline plans to utilize 40% of the slots at a new airport in South Beijing, opening in 2019, to enhance its routes to Europe and the US. A strategic partnership with American Airlines, which holds a 2.7% stake in China Southern, is expected to deepen. The competitive landscape includes China Eastern's partnership with Delta Airlines and investments in Air France KLM. The new Beijing airport, costing $12.9 billion, will accommodate up to 100 million passengers, providing significant opportunities for China Southern and China Eastern, challenging existing hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong.

What challenges does China Southern face in the competitive landscape of airlines?

What are the expected benefits of the new airport being built in South Beijing for China Southern?