Japan Airlines and Japan Air Systems to form new Frequent Flier Programme

Japan Airlines and Japan Air System, now preparing their complete integration, will begin to link their frequent flier programmes in Japan (FFP) from October 1st.

From this date, members of the JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) and the JAS Mileage Service (JMS) will be able to earn and redeem mileage on either carrier on domestic routes. This applies not only to JMB and JMS members resident in Japan but also to members overseas.

(The JAL Mileage Bank consists of four regional groupings: (1) Japan, (2) The Americas,(3) Europe and the Middle East and (4) Asia and Oceania. There are some regional differences in award content.)

In April 2003, the two carriers' FFP programmes will be completely integrated as the "New JAL Mileage Bank."

(1) From then the new integrated programmed will honour previously accumulated mileage, giving its members access to the biggest route network in Japan. Members of the new FFP will be able to earn miles from domestic and international flights and also to redeem miles for tickets and upgrades on nine of the ten airlines belonging to the new Japan Airlines Group: Japan Airlines (JAL) domestic and international, Japan Asia Airways (JAA), JALways, Japan TransOcean Air (JTA), JAL Express (JEX), J-Air, Japan Air System (JAS), Japan Air Commuter (JAC) and Hokkaido Air Commuter (HAC). Okinawa-based Ryukyu Air Commuter is not included. 

Outside the new JAL Group, partner carriers in the New JAL Mileage Bank are American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Dragonair (Hong Kong) and Emirates.

(2) Miles accumulated under the two airlines' current programmes will be transferred to the New JAL Mileage Bank and credited to each customer's account, for those wishing to join the new FFP.

(3) For members of the JAS Mileage Service who do not wish to transfer to the New JMB, their JMS membership will be valid up to midnight, March 31 2004.

(4) The New JMB will run a special bonus campaign for members from April 1 through June 30 2003 providing 1000 bonus miles for their first flight using eligible fares.