Andrzej Jeziorski/TOKYO
Japan Airlines (JAL) has failed to commit to the oneworld alliance amid concerns in Tokyo over systems compatibility and the strength of the British Airways/American Airlines partnership.
JAL, which was expected to unveil a commitment to join oneworld as part of a new three-year corporate plan, says it still hopes to announce membership "soon" - the first time it has stated its alliance intentions so clearly. But it adds that it is "not going to rush into it" and cites hitches with reservations software and ticketing upgrades as factors in the delay.
Industry sources in Tokyo, however, suggest JAL is concerned about the future of the BA/AA alliance in the absence of former chiefs Bob Ayling and Bob Crandall.
"The much fanfared 'Grand Alliance' has not materialised and its architects are out of the picture, so where does that leave oneworld?" says one source.
JAL has partnerships with all oneworld airlines, but has been cautious about joining the alliance for fear of jeopardising existing bilaterals with non-alliance carriers. The airline has just agreed a deal allowing it to participate in the Qualiflyer alliance's frequent flier programme, although group leader Swissair plays down the significance of the move.
JAL's corporate plan to March 2003 reveals that 4,200 jobs will go and calls for increased capacity at Tokyo's airports and cuts in airport charges. JAL is targeting an annual capacity increase of 2% in available seat kilometres, and aims to cut interest-bearing debt by ¥350 billion ($3.3 billion).
• BA has paid the second and final instalment of its £155 million ($243 million) investment in oneworld ally Iberia, giving it a 9% stake, plus two directors on its board. American has a 1% stake.
Source: Flight International
