officially join global alliance group Star Alliance as Connecting Partner in 2017, to speed up its planned international expansion as more Chinese tourists travel abroad.

Juneyao Airlines has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Star Alliance in a ceremony in Shanghai on Monday, which will see it become the group's second connecting partner during the second quarter of 2017.

Under the partnership, the Shanghai-based carrier will offer priority privileges, such as through check-in and lounge access to qualifying passengers travelling on connecting itineraries with Star Alliance member airlines.

"We are back wher we belong," Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab said at the event havin a Shanghai member by accepting Juneyao Airlines. Star Alliance used to have Shanghai Airlines as a member until Shanghai Airlines merged with SkyTeam's China Eastern Airlines

17 Star Alliance member airlines currently operate around 1,600 weekly services to and from Shanghai's two airports -- Pudong and Hongqiao. Juneyao Airlines has 1,700 weekly flights to 69 destinations in eight countries, although the majority of its services are domestic.

The Shanghai-based company currently only operates routes to neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea and Thailand, but is eyeing more long-haul, intercontinental routes. Juneyao in Star Alliance would benefit from long-haul transits and enhance its presence in Shanghai.

In addition, the aviation watchdog released the allocation plan for the new Beijing airport in late July, saying Star Alliance member Air China will remain at Beijing Capital International Airport. As Juneyao Airlines joins Star Alliance, it will stay, too.

The 17 full Star Alliance members currently flying to Shanghai are: Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana, Austrian, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, Lufthansa, SAS, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines.