Airlines briefs 25/05/12
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Airline news from IAG/JAL and Virgin Atlantic’s new route
Japan authorities approve IAG/JAL deal
The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has granted anti-trust immunity to IAG’s agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL) on flights between the EU and Japan. The deal will result in a new joint business between the groups, which will launch in March 2013 and co-operate on routes flown by British Airways and JAL. “Amid the evolving Japanese aviation industry, the ATI will enable us to build a strong value-creating relationship with British Airways that can benefit our customers as well as our businesses,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, president of JAL.
Virgin Atlantic touches down in Vancouver
Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural flight to Vancouver from Heathrow touched down on Friday. The new service will operate four times a week until 27 October and is the airline’s 32nd route. Sir Richard Branson joined the flight with Amy Williams MBE, winter Olympic gold medallist from Vancouver 2010. “We’ve had lots of customers asking us to fly to Vancouver over the years, so we’re delighted to launch this new route in response to customer demand,” said Branson on the launch. “Vancouver’s tourism is thriving and we believe that we can drive demand even higher by providing great competition with our award winning product and service”.
