Japan Airlines eyes ventures with other oneworld airlines

Japan Airlines stated it may pursue agreements with Cathay Pacific and other oneworld carriers similar to its venture with American Airlines' which will commence in Apr-2011 and is expected to generate increased revenues/reduced costs of around USD150 million p/a (Bloomberg, 12-Jan-2011). American Airlines President Tom Horton added that venture will have annual sales of around USD1.5 billion. Cathay spokeswoman Elin Wong stated the carrier, which codeshares with JAL on 33 routes, considers a joint venture as one option.

Japan Airlines: "We would like to have joint businesses with other oneworld partners, such as Hong Kong's Cathay. We have been shrinking our network as we reorganise. With American, we may be able to keep that network or even expand it. The most favourable thing for us is for open-sky pacts to be agreed. We can then pursue joint businesses with our oneworld partners," Masaru Onishi, President. Source: Bloomberg, 12-Jan-2011.