Japan Airlines and American Airlines Begin Joint Sales of Airfares from Japan to North America

TOKYO, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan Airlines (JAL) and American Airlines (American) today announced the implementation of the next phase of their joint business through joint selling in Japan beginning Feb. 1, 2011. The two airlines have more closely coordinated most of their Business Class and Economy Class carrier-filed fares for North America-bound flights originating from Japan effective April 1, 2011 – the day the airlines commence their trans-Pacific joint business.

As a result of the two airlines' tighter relationship and closer coordination, it will now be easier for customers to benefit from carrier-filed discount fares for itineraries using both airlines, as well as a combination of different classes of service. Some, but not all, combinations of carrier-filed fares within Economy Class will also now be available.

Previously, it was much more difficult and expensive to combine itineraries between airlines or when the class of service was not the same for a round trip due to restrictions which limited carrier-filed discount fares to the use of a single airline's flights or to one class of service. The closer cooperation and commencement of joint selling announced today enables customers greater access to lower fares and provides them many more choices when making travel arrangements.

Through American's route network in North America, JAL will increase the number of destinations available for sale to some 200 cities in that region which American continues to sell. Similarly, in the near future from North America, the joint business is expected to increase the number of Asian destinations that American can sell, and that JAL will continue to sell. Customers originating in Japan will have a greater opportunity to access lower fares to more destinations as a result of today's announcement.

About Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL), awarded the most punctual major global airline in 2009 and 2010, is a member of the oneworld®  Alliance and has a global network reaching more than 225 airports in 38 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners. Domestically, the airline covers more than 50 airports throughout Japan. JAL operates some 22,000 international and domestic flights a month, and its fleet of more than 250 aircraft includes Boeing 777s, 767s, 737-800s, and Brazilian-made regional jets, Embraer E170. JAL serves destinations in Asia, Europe, and Oceania, as well as in North America including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver. On its newest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft between Narita and New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, JAL offers the airlines' latest seats in First class – JAL SUITE, JAL SHELL FLAT NEO in Executive class, as well as Premium Economy and Economy service. Between Haneda and San Francisco, JAL uses Boeing 777-200ERs with Executive, Premium Economy and Economy classes and it is the exclusive airline on this route. Japan Airlines' frequent flyer program, JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), is one of the world's largest loyalty programs, with more than 20 million members worldwide today.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning AA.com® website provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 750 destinations in nearly 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

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The address is http://www.aa.com

SOURCE American Airlines