JAL to Operate Codeshare Flights with Iberia

Tokyo, Aug. 16 (Jiji Press)--Japan Airlines <9201> said Tuesday it will start direct codeshare flights with Iberia on a route linking Madrid and Narita International Airport near Tokyo that the Spanish airline will launch on Oct. 18. Japan's transport ministry has given the go-ahead for the two carriers' joint flight operations by extending the antimonopoly immunity to Iberia. Besides the codeshare flights, JAL and Iberia plan to adjust flight schedules with each other for better connectivity, set common air fares and jointly sell tickets. JAL currently runs Japan-Europe flights with British Airways and Finnair under an exemption from the Japanese antimonopoly law, and Iberia will join the circle. The Japanese major carrier also conducts joint services with American Airlines on its North American routes. By expanding codeshare flights with Iberia, which operates routes linking Madrid and European, South American and African cities, JAL aims to attract more customers. END