Airlines JAL regional partners to join oneworld alliance as affiliates

Effective October 25, 2020, Japan Air Commuter and Hokkaido Air System will join one of the largest airline alliances as Japan Airlines affiliates. The introduction of the two regional carriers to oneworld opens up more options to customers using the airline´s networks.

Together, Japan Air Commuter and Hokkaido Air System are operating over 20 regional destinations in Japan with more than 90 daily flights. Last year, the carrier welcomed nearly 900.000 passengers on board.

In 2007, Japan Airlines initially joined oneworld and is currently the majority shareholder of both regional airlines. With them joining the alliance, customer will be able of easier access oneworld benefits for flights within Japan.

Furthermore, Japan Air Commuter and Hokkaido Air System will bring a total of four new destinations to the oneworld network to the 50 already served. The four destinations are Kikai (KKX), Okinoerabu (OKE), Tajima (TJH) and Yakushima (KUM).

Japan Airlines Regional Vitalization Division Executive Officer Shunsuke Honda said: “With our oneworld partners, we look forward to welcoming customers across the world to rediscover the joy of travel and help revitalise regional sites throughout the country. These two airlines feature flights to beautiful destinations on the northern island of Hokkaido and Kagoshima, located at the south end of the Japanese archipelago.”

oneworld CEO Rob Gurney added: “We are pleased to expand the oneworld footprint in Japan alongside our valued partner Japan Airlines, through the addition of another two of their high-quality affiliates to the alliance. Japan Air Commuter and Hokkaido Air System will provide even greater connectivity in Japan to customers, growing our position in one of the key markets in Asia.”

Hokkaido Air System was established in 1997 and has its main operational base installed in Hokkaido, Sapporo. The carrier operates flights with one ATR 42 and three Saab 340 aircraft.

Japan Air Commuter was founded in 1983 and its fleet consists of nine aircraft, including seven ATR 42 and two ATR 72s, of which one is currently parked due to the lower demand during the coronavirus pandemic.