“I want to make it clear that JAL is a high-value member of oneworld.
“Let me make it clear that JAL is a high-value member of oneworld. The alliance and its other member airlines have a deep and long-standing partnership with JAL that has created hundreds of millions of dollars in value for JAL, and we are committed to maintaining and strengthening it This partnership,” said Gerard Arpey, Chairman of the board of oneworld. Governors.
Arpey noted that the current global economic environment has affected airlines around the world, but is particularly challenging for airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region.
“As the largest airline in the country and the region, JAL has been at the center of the storm. There has been widespread media speculation about JAL’s prospects and its alliance strategy. We believe we can bring the most meaningful alliance value to JAL – A substantial step up – and without any regulatory risk, what a change in alliance strategy would mean for them, not to mention the financial costs JAL would incur if it changed the alliance at such a critical stage in the restructuring,” Alpe said.
Arpey noted that with the Japanese and U.S. governments considering an open skies agreement, it is more likely that JAL will recognize the benefits of an immune relationship with U.S. airlines. And, by remaining in oneworld, JAL can continue to fully benefit from all the revenue that all of its partners bring in.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to help JAL meet its current challenges and ensure its long-term, healthy future as a valued and equal member of oneworld,” Arpey said.
