Japan Airlines and IAG take first step towards intended joint business between Japan and Europe
Japan Airlines (JAL) and International Airlines Group (IAG) have agreed (08-Feb-2012) plans for a new joint business between JAL and British Airways on services between Europe and Japan. The joint business will provide enhanced links between Europe and Japan, enhanced frequent flyer programme (FFP) benefits and the potential to launch new routes, with the carriers to benefit from being able to share revenue and coordinate scheduled. JAL submitted its application to the MLIT on 08-Feb-2012 seeking antitrust immunity to co-operate on services between the European Union and Japan with British Airways. IAG is in contact with the EU. The revenue-sharing agreement would also service to strengthen the oneworld alliance, of which both carriers are members. [more - original PR]
Japan Airlines: "JAL is looking forward to the potential customer benefits we foresee from the synergies with British Airways. 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," Masaru Onishi, current president and chairman-elect. Source: Company Statement, 08-Feb-2012.
IAG: "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," Willie Walsh, CEO. Source: Company Statement, 08-Feb-2012.