BA to launch joint flights with Japan Airlines
British Airways is to launch a joint venture with oneworld partner Japan Airlines on flights between Europe and Japan.
In a statement, BA parent IAG said the joint business – which would see the two airlines sharing revenue on flights – would benefit customers by providing better links, greater choice of flights, enhanced frequent flyer benefits and potential new routes.
The two airlines need clearance from the Japanese government and the European Union for the venture. JAL is seeking anti-trust immunity from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), while BA has approached the European Union.
Japan already has a similar agreement with oneworld partner American Airlines with which it operates joint flights between Asia and the US.
IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said: "British Airways has a long history of flying to Japan and linking the world’s third largest economy to the UK and Europe.
"We have very close links with JAL and look forward to enhancing that relationship further. Despite the difficulties the Japanese aviation market has faced in recent years, we have great confidence in JAL’s business outlook and the overall market’s future prospects.
"The MLIT has a key role in this process and we hope to receive approval from them for the joint business which would bring great benefits to consumers."
Japan Airlines cut its capacity by 30% last year as part of a long-term plan to downsize by shedding unprofitable routes. It also retired all its Boeing 747-400 aircraft and its domestic A300-600 fleet.
Current president and chairman-elect of JAL, Masaru Onishi, said: "Just as our customers travelling over the Pacific have gained from the joint business between JAL and American Airlines which began last April, we expect the closer relationship with British Airways to also provide the travelling public between Europe and Japan with greater convenience and options.
"JAL seeks to continue improving customer experiences all-around, including through tighter cooperation with our quality partners as the industry liberalises."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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