Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Air China Ltd plan to finalize a joint venture this month, sealing a deal to share revenue and coordinate routes after more than two years of negotiations, people familiar with the matter said.

Lufthansa Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr plans to travel to Beijing to attend a signing ceremony scheduled for Sept 20, said the people, who asked not to be identified prior to an announcement.

The joint venture is the closest two carriers can get under legal restrictions limiting foreign control of airlines.