Wednesday, January 13, London: British Airways and Japan Airlines today announced a significant deepening of the relationship between the two airlines with plans for a link-up of their frequent flyer schemes and for code-sharing. The new links are set to bring substantial benefits to both airlines and their passengers, in particular making travelling easier between Europe and Japan.
The two airlines intend to enable members of both the British Airways Executive Club and Japan Airlines’ Mileage Bank to earn and redeem miles on both international networks from April 1, 1999.

British Airways and Japan Airlines plan, subject to approvals, to code-share on Japan Airlines’ daily service between London Heathrow and Osaka Kansai International Airport from late this summer. This will give greater flexibility and choice to British Airways passengers travelling to Japan, and offer passengers originating in Japan better links with continental Europe through British Airways’ extensive shorthaul network.

Both airlines intend to establish a comprehensive and long-term relationship to improve services to their customers and plan to further develop the relationship to other various areas.

Bob Ayling, British Airways’ Chief Executive, said: “British Airways is very excited to have secured a relationship with such a prestigious airline in Japan, and in doing so we can expand our presence in this crucially important region hand-in-hand with Japan Airlines.”

Isao Kaneko, Japan Airlines’ President, said: ” We are delighted to be announcing the beginning of a more substantial relationship with such a leading global airline as British Airways, one which we anticipate will bring great benefits to passengers from both airlines. Our two companies have enjoyed a very successful co-operation in joint cargo operations between the UK and Japan for more than 20 years and we now intend to build beyond that to create a long-term, more comprehensive relationship.”

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