China Southern Airlines Company Limited (CZ) and Japan Airlines (JAL) signed a Pilot Assignment Agreement in Guangzhou on Mar. 13.

In the near future, JAL will provide 45 Boeing 777 captains, in compliance with CZ's qualification requirements, to engage in the Guangzhou-based carrier's flight operations, according to the agreement. The move will help ease the carrier's pilot shortage to a certain degree.

The first Japanese pilots, after earlier interview and selection, are expected to begin work officially on Mar. 19.