Japan approves Finnair’s inclusion in the joint business

The Japanese government has given its approval to the joint business between Japan Airlines (JAL), Finnair and British Airways.

This paves the way for Finnair to join the existing joint business between Japan Airlines and BA. The agreement will allow all three airlines to co-operate commercially on flights between Europe and Japan. The new joint business is expected to be launched next spring.

Chief executive Keith Williams said, “Today’s decision by the MLIT will benefit the customers of all three airlines by allowing us to explore ways to improve the connections between East and West.”

Pekka Vauramo, CEO of Finnair, said, “We are glad we are now one step closer to starting the cooperation with JAL and British Airways to provide our customers with better connections between the EU Japan.”