By Will Lee
All Nippon Airways, EL AL Introduce New Codeshare
Recently, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has entered into a codeshare agreement with EL AL Israel Airlines. Under the new agreement, both airlines’ travelers could enjoy a seamless travel experience between Japan and Israel.
Subject to government approval, ANA could start codesharing on EL AL’s flights between Tel Aviv and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport in spring 2024, which was launched in March. In the meantime, EL AL is going to codeshare on select All Nippon Airways’ domestic flights.
Meanwhile, the pair is a step closer to signing a frequent flyer program agreement, bolstering benefits for mileage members travelling between the two countries.
“ANA is excited to begin this partnership with EL AL, and we hope that it will provide safe and convenient travel with greater opportunities for both business and leisure passengers between Israel and Japan.” Shinichi Inoue, President and CEO of ANA said.
“With the launch of the EL AL flights between Tel Aviv and Tokyo Narita, we have seen a great deal of interest of travellers between the two countries. The cooperation between EL AL and ANA is an important element in ensuring the success of this route.” Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, CEO of EL AL said.
In the meantime, Japan’s largest carrier expects to expand its fleet by boosting Boeing 787 Dreamliners for the short and medium-haul by 2030.
“It is important for us to increase fuel efficient aircraft such as the 787 in the future,” Inoue revealed ANA’s strategy for developing its fleet.
The airline has experienced a slow start for the international outbound travel after the pandemic. The intention of traveling overseas for the citizen is “still weak” in response to the weakened Japanese yen.
However, the inbound international is a different kettle of fish, the travel demand from North America, Oceania and Asia has skyrocketed after easing the travel restrictions. The country has seen a significant recovery for domestic travel as well. Japan reopened its border in October.
Meanwhile, as a result of the limited flight between U.S. and China, ANA has benefited from the additional travel demand.
ANA is still not operating its full capacity, expecting to reach pre-covid levels by 2025 and exceeding that figure by 2030. The airline expects the domestic market, the inbound international travel to Japan and the business travel will continue to rise in this fiscal year. Earlier, the airline announced its first profit since the fiscal year ended March, 31, 2020.
Meanwhile, Inoue said Air Japan, its brand-new carrier, is expected to launch by spring 2024. The new carrier will focus on the Southern Asian market, but the new route is still up in the air. Earlier, the carrier unveiled its seats with a 32-inch seat pitch and crew uniform.
