PARIS, FRANCE – Several French newspapers are reporting that Air France KLM is considering a deal with Japan Airlines to co-operate on routes between France and Japan.
Air France has denied the report, but the source of the story claims employees at the two airlines have said that they will standardise pricing and business practices as part of a deal.
A Japan Airlines spokesperson emphasised the strong relationship between the two airlines, but declared that there was no intention to work in partnership at present:
“Air France
is our valued bilateral partner with whom we share code share flights connecting Japan to Paris and beyond, and we are committed to strengthening this relationship.”
Japan Airlines actually went bust last month, but has seen a brutal overhaul that involved a huge cull of around 15,000 jobs. It is continuing to do business and relies on partnerships with other airlines to maximise revenue – Air France KLM being one such partner.