SkyTeam says it is working closely with China Southern to minimize the disruption to customers from the Chinese carrier’s decision to leave the alliance from January 1. China Southern on Thursday announced its intention to leave SkyTeam and strengthen its alliance with American Airlines. American last year sealed a $US200 million deal with China Southern that included a 2.76 percent stake in the Chinese carrier. The two also launched a reciprocal codeshare agreement earlier this year. Read: World's Best airlines for 2019. However, the SkyTeam membership had been a drag on the partnership and American has described the China Southern decision to leave as “a great opportunity for us to continue to expand our relationship with the largest airline in China”. “With the opening of Beijing Daxing International Airport in 2019 and the ability to cooperate fully with China Southern, we are excited about our future in the Chinese market.” China Southern did not provide details of plans for the American alliance. Read: China Southern wants to deepen American relationship “The company will explore the possibility of establishing new partnerships with advanced airlines around the world, promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation and provide quality services to passengers around the world,” it said. SkyTeam said China Southern’s decision reflected “strategic development, the changing trends of the global aviation industry and the evolution of alliances”. It said the two had agreed to work closely to ensure a seamless transition for all customers and partners. “That process will run throughout 2019 and will complete by the SkyTeam CEO Kristin Colville said China Southern had been a valued member of the SkyTeam but it respected its decision and wished it well. A short  Q&A on SkyTeam’s site dealt with  SkyTeam benefits, earning or using frequent flyer miles, airport lounges, SkyPriority of Go Around the World passes. It assured customers would still be able to travel on award tickets they had booked after January 1 and said there would be virtually no change to destinations serviced by the alliance, including in Greater China. China Air, China Eastern and Xiamen Air are also members of the alliance. “Customers are our priority,’’ it said “Things will change, but it will not happen overnight. “SkyTeam and China Southern have agreed to work together throughout 2019 to ensure a seamless transition for all of our customers. “We will keep you updated in the coming weeks and months.” One airline that will be watching this closely will be Cathay Pacific. China Southern has also partnered with British Airways and there is already speculation about oneworld membership.