The recently announced proposal for a joint venture tie-up between Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines could be more comprehensive than first thought.
As well as coordinating flight operations between the two countries, JAL could be the white knight Malaysia Airlines has been desperately looking for.
JAL is reportedly in discussions to take a stake in the ailing Malaysian flag carrier.
According to sources, talks have taken place although no deal has been agreed yet.
MAS’ owner sovereign wealth fund Kazanah has good relations with Japan.
"JAL could be the one, we like all things Japanese and Kazanah has been selling assets to the Japanese recently," said the source.
Earlier this year JAL president Yuji Asaka hinted a stake in MAS could happen in the future.
The carrier appointed Morgan Stanley to explore all options for its future, from a stake sale, a government backed turnaround plan or an entire sell-off.
The joint venture partnership agreed between the two One World Alliance members will see coordination in flights schedule, capacity planning, marketing, and revenue management for routes between Malaysia and Japan.
