Japan Airlines Co, Ltd (JAL), may seek a tie-up with Air France to bolster operations on the continent, according to a report in www.bloomberg.com. The company is considering the formation of a venture on European routes with British Airways and Spain’s Iberia.
According to Masaru Onishi, President, JAL, “Our alliance with British Airways is the key. If we can cover all of Europe with them, which would include Iberia as well, then we won’t need other joint ventures. If not, we’ll look to other airlines.”
JAL may also boost co-operation with Oneworld alliance members beyond BA and Iberia, including Finnair Oyj (FIA1S) on European routes. The carrier has already formed a venture with AMR Corporation’s American Airlines, Inc that sets fares, sells tickets and decides schedules on trans- Pacific routes to boost sales and pare costs.