Associated Press
Report: Japan Air Joins OneWorld Alliance
10.25.2005, 01:53 AM

Japan Airlines, the nation's top carrier, is joining the OneWorld alliance, which includes American Airlines and British Airways, Kyodo News reported Tuesday.

JAL spokesman Stephen Pearlman refused to confirm the report but said Chief Executive Toshiyuki Shinmachi would announce an important alliance later in the day at Tokyo headquarters.

Although Japan Airlines has code-sharing agreements with some airlines, allowing it to share flights with rivals, it had not previously joined a major international carrier alliance, choosing to go at it alone.

Like other airlines, Japan Airlines has been hit by soaring fuel costs and intensifying competition.

Faith in the Japanese carrier has also been faltering after a spate of safety problems this year. In one safety lapse, a JAL pilot attempted to take off without receiving approval from air traffic controllers.

JAL posted a 38.4 billion yen ($333 million) loss in the April-June quarter due to higher fuel costs and weaker-than-expected travel demand. The loss for the quarter compared with a year-earlier loss of 40.8 billion yen.

Most airlines in the world have joined alliances, which include Star Alliance - of which All Nippon Airways Co., JAL's domestic rival, is a member - and SkyTeam.

Members in the same group have code sharing on routes that are difficult for them to open or maintain on their own in an effort to broaden their global network of flights. Alliances are growing increasingly important for troubled airlines.