Vietnam Airlines said on Friday it has formed a joint venture with China Southern Airlines, the first such aviation partnership between the two countries. The joint venture has received regulatory approvals and is set to become operational from August,

Southwest's latest partnership with China Airlines was announced this week, when the two gathered at the International Air Transport Association's annual general meeting in India. The meeting is Southwest's first since becoming a member carrier earlier this year, and Southwest seems to be fully utilizing the networking opportunity.