Cathay Pacific Airways and its oneworld partner Japan Airlines announced today that they will expand their code-share agreement with effect from 31 October, subject to government approval. The expansion will provide passengers with even greater flexibility and choice when travelling between Hong Kong and Japan.

Under the expanded code-share agreement, Cathay Pacific’s flights between Hong Kong and Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo and Tokyo will carry the “JL” code, while Japan Airline’s flights on the Narita - Hong Kong and the Haneda - Hong Kong routes will carry the “CX” code.

The two airlines plan to further expand the cooperation beyond services between Japan and Hong Kong and look forward to finalising the details soon.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler said: “Japan Airlines is one of our long-term code-share partners and we are pleased we are able to expand our cooperation with them in one of our major markets in Asia.”

“This new agreement comes at a perfect time as we will be operating a twice-daily service to Haneda and increasing frequencies to Tokyo to seven daily from 31 October.  The code-share flights with Japan Airlines will provide customers with even more choice,” said Cathay Pacific Director Sales and Marketing Rupert Hogg.

Commenting on the strengthened relationship between the two oneworld carriers, Japan Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer Masaru Onishi said: “This is a favourable and appropriate time for us to extend our code-share agreement. I am certain this development in our alliance will complement the convenience of flying to and from Haneda Airport, and oneworld customers in this region of growth will have more travel solutions than ever before as they continue to enjoy the high standards of both of our services.”

Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines currently code-share on Fukuoka, Nagoya and Osaka services with the “JL” code on Cathay Pacific’s flights.