Northwest Airlines and China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in the People's Republic of China, today announced a new partnership that will allow each of the carriers to offer their customers new benefits.

The carriers announced that beginning April 15, 2005, members of Northwest's WorldPerks frequent flyer program will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by China Southern and marketed with the airline's two letter CZ code.  At the same time, members of China Southern's Sky Pearl Club frequent flyer program will be able to earn and redeem miles on Northwest-operated flights that are marketed with Northwest's NW code.

Our new partnership with China Southern builds on our established presence in China and provides our customers with seamless benefits on the most extensive domestic route network in China, said Gary Fishman, senior vice president of alliances at Northwest Airlines.  As the only U.S. airline serving Guangzhou, Northwest is able to offer unmatched access to China Southern's home airport, and we look forward to China Southern's eventual entry into the SkyTeam alliance of airlines.

Northwest and China Southern also announced a reciprocal airport lounge program, enabling eligible customers to access more lounges.  Members of Northwest's WorldClubs program, customers flying World Business Class and WorldPerks members residing in Asia who have achieved Platinum Elite or Gold Elite status will enjoy access to any of China Southern's eight airport lounges located throughout China.  Gold and Silver members of China Southern's Sky Pearl Club, as well as its first and business class customers, will be able to access any of Northwest's 22 WorldClubs.