JAL to code share with Jetstar

Japan Airlines (JAL) will start code-sharing on Jetstar’s Osaka – Gold Coast – Sydney routes from October 1, 2008, and Tokyo – Cairns routes from December 18, 2008. The agreement is subject to approval by the relevant authorities in both Australia and Japan.

JAL intends to place its ‘JL’ designator on flights between Osaka (Kansai) and the Gold Coast, as well as 5-times-a-week Gold Coast - Sydney connection services operated by Jetstar. This new routing replaces on October 1, 2008 the Osaka-Brisbane-Sydney routing currently operated by the Australian carrier which JAL has been code sharing on since May 2007.

The new code share agreement between the two airlines also covers a second routing: Jetstar’s daily service between Tokyo (Narita) and Cairns.

Ticket sales of the new code share flights start September 25, 2008.

Fares issued by JAL will be for economy class only inclusive of meals and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks and additional snacks will be available for purchase onboard.

JAL currently operates 1 daily flight between Tokyo (Narita) - Brisbane, and 1 daily flight Tokyo (Narita) – Sydney on which the airline’s award-wining business class, the JAL Shell Flat seat, will be introduced from October 27, 2008.

The airline also offers passengers code share flights operated by Qantas between the two countries: a thrice-weekly service between Tokyo (Narita) – Melbourne and 1 daily flight between Tokyo (Narita) – Cairns. These code shares will end when Qantas stops operating these routes on September 1 and December 17, 2008 respectively.