China Southern Airlines (CZ, Guangzhou) has confirmed it will develop a hub at the upcoming Beijing Daxing International Airport, set to open its doors in 2019. China's WCARN news reports the carrier signed a framework agreement with the airfield's manager, Beijing Capital International Airport Co., Ltd. (BCIA) , on Tuesday, September 15.
Under the terms of the deal, China Southern plans to base up to 100 aircraft at the airfield in 2019 growing to 150 by 2025.
Located 46km south of downtown Beijing, the airport will serve the Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei metropolitan areas. Early reports have suggested the airport may serve as a hub for Skyteam carriers (which include China Southern as well as China Eastern Airlines (MU, Shanghai Hongqiao)) while the existing Beijing Capital would be used by Star Alliance member Air China (CA, Beijing Capital) and other operators.
