Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL), headquartered in Tokyo and led by President Mitsuko Tottori, and IndiGo, headquartered in New Delhi with CEO Pieter Elbers, have unveiled a new codeshare partnership set to launch on December 16, 2024. This collaboration aims to enhance travel options and foster cultural and business exchanges between Japan and India.
Expanding Connectivity Between Japan and India
This strategic partnership marks JAL’s initial step in expanding its reach within India, while providing IndiGo customers with access to JAL’s extensive domestic and international routes in future phases. As India’s largest airline with over 60% market share, IndiGo will codeshare on domestic routes connecting to JAL-operated flights to and from Delhi and Bengaluru.
Currently, JAL operates daily flights between Tokyo (Haneda) and Delhi, along with five weekly flights between Tokyo (Narita) and Bengaluru. Through this partnership, JAL will establish a robust network across India, connecting its flights to numerous key cities via IndiGo’s domestic operations.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Abhijit DasGupta, IndiGo’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning & Revenue Management, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:
We are delighted to introduce new connectivity options between India and Japan. This codeshare agreement strengthens business, trade, and tourism ties between the two nations, offering passengers access to culturally rich destinations and historic landmarks. As India and Japan continue to enhance their strategic collaboration, this partnership will further bolster bilateral relations. IndiGo remains committed to delivering affordable, punctual, and seamless travel experiences across its expansive network.”
Ross Leggett, Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Route Marketing at Japan Airlines, shared similar sentiments:
We are thrilled to partner with IndiGo, India’s leading domestic carrier known for its excellent service. This codeshare will simplify travel between India and Japan, enabling passengers to book flights on a single ticket while enjoying the high-quality services of both airlines. India’s rapid economic growth has driven a surge in air travel demand between our two countries, and this partnership underscores our shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering deeper cultural and economic ties.”
Enhancing Travel Options
The codeshare agreement will grant customers access to 18 destinations within India, catering to tourists, business travelers, and leisure seekers. By combining IndiGo’s expansive domestic network with JAL’s international services, the partnership ensures a seamless travel experience for passengers.
Key Details of the Codeshare Partnership
- Start Date: December 16, 2024 (subject to government approval)
- Reservations and Ticket Sales: Available from December 4, 2024
Both airlines look forward to expanding their cooperation in the future, aiming to provide even greater convenience and a superior travel experience for passengers.
About IndiGo:
IndiGo is amongst the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are affordable, flights that are on time, and provide a courteous and hassle-free travel experience across its unparalleled network. With its fleet of 370+ aircraft, the airline is operating around 2100 daily flights and connecting 85+ domestic destinations and 30+ international destinations.
About Japan Airlines:
Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld® Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 227 aircraft (as of March 2024) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 376 airports across 64 countries/regions. The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and being awarded the prestigious “World Class” Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide.