Delta and American Vie for Partnership with Japan Airlines

Delta-Northwest and American Airlines are competing for partnership with Japan Airlines. The Asian carrier has had a very public financial struggle this year, and has asked the government for more funding in order to keep afloat.

Currently, a partnership exists between Japan Airlines and American Airlines. The two companies share frequent flier benefits and international routes. In order to save money, Japan Airlines has cut certain routes, and is looking for more ways to gain capital.

Enter Delta Airlines. After a move to the SkyTeam Alliance this year, Delta has begun enticing Japan Airlines with its own opportunity for partnership. The US carrier would benefit from the union because of JAL’s extensive routes in Japan and China, but American Airlines officials warn that JAL might not win an anti-trust immunity with Delta, since the company already has a large US-Tokyo market.

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© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney