Our top five stories on Routes Weekly this week - subscribe here:

China Southern to seek new partnerships after SkyTeam exit
On the 11th anniversary since it joined SkyTeam, China Southern has revealed it will leave the alliance next year to pursue new partnerships with airlines around the world. Read more.

Saudi Arabia’s market poised for further growth as competition intensifies
As low-cost carrier Flynas begins taking delivery of the first of 80 Airbus A320neo aircraft, Routesonline looks at the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation market, boosted by a rapidly expanding tourism sector and a more liberalised approach. Read more.

Flybe up for sale as market pressures take their toll
UK-based regional airline Flybe is putting itself up for sale and warned of further flight capacity cuts in the face of ongoing challenges in the European short-haul market. Read more.

Spirit adds nine routes from Austin
US low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines is set to add nine routes from Texas’ state capital Austin, a stronghold for Southwest Airlines. Read more.

Bulletin board: aviation industry news round-up
This week: SaudiGulf to buy ten A320neo aircraft; Gulf Air and Etihad sign MoU; Emirates reveals half-year results and more. Read more.

PLUS:
Route rundown: TLV-MAN, MCT-ATH, MXP-HRK
Airline in focus: Ryanair
Air Astana fights back with low-cost carrier launch
Airline industry ‘the masters of self-destruction’
Joon confident on unique lower-cost offering
IATA: Europe's aviation sector must address “deep-rooted issues”
Air New Zealand will use A321neo to boost Gold Coast capacity