Japan Airlines (JAL) and oneworld(SM) have exchanged a memorandum of understanding, completing the Asian carrier's first step toward joining the world's leading quality global airline alliance.
The agreement was signed just three months after JAL first indicated its intention to seek oneworld membership. It sets out a framework for the remaining steps to be taken before the alliance can formally invite the airline to join. All parties have committed to reach this stage in the next few months -- and then to bring the new recruit on board oneworld on a fast- track program.
Assuming all remaining agreements can be reached, JAL should be flying as a full-fledged member of the alliance in about one year.
American Airlines will be supporting JAL through these tasks as its prime oneworld sponsor, assisted by Cathay Pacific.
"Adding Japan Airlines will be one of the most significant developments in oneworld's history," said oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch. "We are delighted that we have been able to reach this key stage in our discussions so soon. It signals an excellent relationship going forward. Bringing JAL on board is a top priority for the alliance. oneworld and all its member airlines have committed to do whatever is necessary to complete this process as smoothly and speedily as possible. We look forward to working with the team at JAL to complete the steps necessary before we can issue a formal invitation to join."
PR Newswire
The agreement was signed just three months after JAL first indicated its intention to seek oneworld membership. It sets out a framework for the remaining steps to be taken before the alliance can formally invite the airline to join. All parties have committed to reach this stage in the next few months -- and then to bring the new recruit on board oneworld on a fast- track program.
Assuming all remaining agreements can be reached, JAL should be flying as a full-fledged member of the alliance in about one year.
American Airlines will be supporting JAL through these tasks as its prime oneworld sponsor, assisted by Cathay Pacific.
"Adding Japan Airlines will be one of the most significant developments in oneworld's history," said oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch. "We are delighted that we have been able to reach this key stage in our discussions so soon. It signals an excellent relationship going forward. Bringing JAL on board is a top priority for the alliance. oneworld and all its member airlines have committed to do whatever is necessary to complete this process as smoothly and speedily as possible. We look forward to working with the team at JAL to complete the steps necessary before we can issue a formal invitation to join."
PR Newswire
