China Southern in Talks With British Airways on Joint Venture

China Southern Airlines Co., one of the nation’s top three state carriers, is exploring a joint venture with British Airways for flights between the Asian country and the U.K., according to the company’s global sales director.

Asia’s biggest carrier by fleet size is discussing with IAG SA’s BA on how to extend cooperation beyond the existing basic code-share agreement announced in December, Senior Vice-President Luo Laijin said in an interview Friday at London’s Heathrow Airport. The two are discussing special pro-rate agreements, flight connections from the U.K.’s capital to cities including Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as to some African cities.