British Airways urges JAL to remain in oneworld, Qantas not in talks with JAL

American Airlines, British Airways and members of the oneworld alliance, reportedly plan to jointly submit a proposal to recapitalise JAL and retain JAL as part of the alliance, to fend off the Delta Air Lines-led SkyTeam Alliance bid for the carrier (RTT, 18-Sep-2009). British Airways has since confirmed it is in talks with JAL, while Qantas has denied reports it is in formal negotiations with JAL or any other consolidation activity (The Australian, 19-Sep-2009). Delta has reportedly proposed to invest up to USD553.8 million in JAL. JAL is expected to make a decision on an alliance partner by mid-Oct-2009.

Qantas: "We have keen interest in both the future of JAL and any discussions American Airlines may be having with JAL. But Qantas is not involved in any of the formal negotiations taking place between any parties nor are we engaged in any M&A (merger and acquisition) or consolidations discussions with any other airline," David Epstein, Head of Government and Corporate Affairs. Source: The Australian, 19-Sep-2009.