eFlyer Asia - Intelligence

JAL And AA Strengthen Alliance

Following its decision to stick with American Airlines and its oneworld global alliance, last Friday, American Airlines and Japan Airlines filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for antitrust immunity to forge a closer relationship and implement a Joint Business Agreement governing the operation of their flights between North America and Asia. The airlines also will notify the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan of the transaction under the terms of the Open Skies agreement reached by the United States and Japan in December 2009, which eliminated current restraints on competition.

"With immunity to enter a JBA, Japan Airlines and American Airlines will be able to cooperate more tightly in raising the quality of our services." said Masaru Onishi, JAL group president and COO. "Not only will both carriers be able to improve operational efficiency but most importantly, our valued customers will receive greater benefits and convenience."

Gerard Arpey, American's chairman and CEO said as well as offering new competition in the fast-growing Asian aviation marketplace, the JBA will strengthen the relationship between American and Japan Airlines and support JAL's restructuring. "It will improve customer choice by giving the oneworld alliance strong hub operations at Tokyo, thus allowing more vibrant competition with other global alliances in northeast Asia and beyond."

 

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