ANA to commence JV with United and Continental on 01-Apr-2011

ANA Group stated (18-Jan-2011) it would commence its JV with United Airlines and Continental Airlines on trans-Pacific routes on 01-Apr-2011. Implementation of the JV will call for integration of the airlines' domestic and international networks, along with common fares and adjustments to respective timetables, and also covering frequent flyer reciprocity. The agreement covers ANA services from Tokyo Narita to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York JFK, Washington DC and Honolulu and from Tokyo Haneda to Los Angeles and Honolulu. United/Continental services covered include services from Narita to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Washington DC, Honolulu, New York Newark and Houston, from Kansai to Houston and San Francisco, from Hong Kong to Chicago, San Francisco and New York Newark and from Incheon to San Francisco. Onward segments are also included, covering ANA domestic and Asian routes and United/Continental domestic, Central/South American, Caribbean and Asian routes (exc China). [more]

ANA Group: "Following the expansion of capacity at Tokyo airports in FY2010, ANA has worked to establish new destinations and increase flights on existing routes. A further increase in runway slots is planned in the medium term, and this represents an opportunity for ANA Group to expand operations in what is becoming an intensely competitive business environment. In addition, the airline industry generally is facing more competition from other modes of transport, for example the opening of full Shinkansen bullet train services to Kyushu. In this environment, ANA plans to optimise its fleet and increase the efficiency of its operations further, to ensure stable positive cash flow and increased profits. At the same time, ANA will work to improve passenger service and choice by launching its joint business venture with United Airlines and Continental Airlines," Company Statement, 18-Jan-2011.