Thai Airways International (THAI) and Shanghai Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding ( MOU) to facilitate air travel between Thailand and China, THAI executives said on Friday.

The agreement will expand the flying network between the two airlines while facilitating passenger services such as through check-in, frequent flyer program, less connecting flight time, and special privileged lounge services for the passengers of the two airlines at any airport worldwide, said Vasing Kittikul, executive vice president of the national carrier THAI.

Under the agreement, THAI and Shanghai Airlines will support each other through code share flights between Thailand and China, allowing THAI to operate domestic points in China while Shanghai Airlines will have access to domestic destinations in Thailand.

"With the growth of our cooperation we are expecting that both of our customers will be able to purchase one ticket and check in just once, from China or Thailand, for an entire trans-Asia Pacific journey," Gu Jiadan, Shanghai Airlines' senior vice president, was quoted by the Thai News Agency as saying.

Currently, THAI operates six destinations in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen and Kunming.

Shanghai Airlines, established in 1985, serves more than 60 cities in China. The airline recently opened flights from Shanghai to Phuket, Thailand's popular resort island, and a cargo service between Shanghai and Bangkok.

Source: Xinhua