Linking networks is a central goal of airline alliances, yet the latest announced addition to the Star Alliance, Air China affiliate Shenzhen Airlines, has few connections with the group's foreign partners. At first glance, the decision to admit Shenzhen next year looks like a great boost, since it adds to Star a fleet of 102 aircraft based in mainland China's richest city. And it gives the alliance a home in the Pearl River Delta, an area that has been an economic leader in China since the country began liberalizing in the late 1970s.

Shenzhen Airlines plans to expand its fleet to at least 171 aircraft by 2015, ramping up capacity by 10% a year in its role as the Air China group's challenger in the home territory of rival China Southern. That fleet forecast is conservative, says an airline official. “If possible, it will be more than 180,” she notes.

Lufthansa plans to begin flying to Shenyang and Qingdao from March next year, extending its effort to open links to Chinese secondary cities. The announcement follows the conclusion of an agreement with the cities’ airport authorities and regional governments. Lufthansa does not say what specifically has been agreed, but it is normal for Chinese local governments to offer incentives for business activities that they judge will promote economic growth. Airports in such cities are particularly keen to attract long-haul services.