Japan Airlines (JAL) and Russian carrier Aeroflot have agreed to partner in a strategic cooperation to boost traffic and connectivity between the two counties.
To stimulate travel between the two markets, the airlines will start codesharing.
JAL and Aeroflot will implement a codeshare agreement after fiscal year 2018 for Aeroflot’s domestic flights and JAL’s domestic and international services.
The airlines will work toward aligning frequent flyer programs and integrating airport operations in the future.
"As the only airline in Japan operating to Russia for over 50 years, the launch of a forward looking partnership with Aeroflot demonstrates our strong commitment to this very important market," said Tadashi Fujita, JAL executive vice president.
Japan-Russia traffic has seen an upturn since the countries relaxed visa requirements earlier this year.
JAL operates four flights a week to Moscow Domodedovo Airport from Tokyo and Aeroflot flies daily year-round from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport to Tokyo.
"We believe that by expanding our partnership with JAL for both direct and transit traffic we will be able to further develop this market by providing more opportunities for our passengers," said Giorgio Callegari, Aeroflot deputy CEO for strategy and alliances.
