China Southern Airlines, 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.

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.

The Guangzhou-based carrier has said it’s been building its hub and has prioritized subsidizing fares for European travelers. It’s looking to extend partnerships with carriers outside of the three global airline alliances, including its partnership with Air France-KLM, which currently includes a joint venture, said Luo Laijun, Senior Vice President of China Southern.

China Southern is also“looking at other opportunities to do stake cooperation”with both U.S. and European airlines beyond the USD 200 million stake purchased by American Airlines Group last year, he said.

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