Qantas is negotiating with Japan Airlines to establish a joint business arrangement to help boost air connectivity between Australasia and Japan.
The two oneworld alliance members expect to sign an agreement and launch new routes for summer 2021.
They are targeting July 2021 as the start date for the joint business when they expect to have their international networks running again.
It will include an expanded codeshare agreement offering more connections for their customers and more convenient schedules.
"The joint business means we’ll be able to build on our existing relationship with JAL through oneworld to offer more routes, better flight connections and more benefits," said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.
It would ‘open up more connections to more destinations beyond the major city gateways.’
Before the pandemic Qantas served Tokyo, Hokkaido and Osaka from several gateways, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
JAL also flew to Sydney and Melbourne from Tokyo.
The agreement is subject to approval from regiulators.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
