JAL has extended its partnership with Vietnam Airlines so that the Japanese carrier will now share its skills in operations with its South-east Asian airline.

In a move set to streamline Vietnam Airlines customer service skills, booking systems, aircraft maintenance and even flight operations, the strengthening of the partnership is aimed at boosting Vietnam Airline’s chances to become oneworld’s first South-east Asian member.

JAL and Vietnam Airlines currently have a code-share agreement which sees them operating joint flights between Japan and Vietnam.

JAL President Haruka Nishimatsu has previously indicated that having a South-east Asian carrier in the alliance was an important move, and that if Vietnam Airlines were to enter oneworld, there may be improved frequencies and connections from Japan to Vietnam.

In response, Trinh Ngoc Thanh of Vietnam Airlines, has confirmed on that the national carrier had already been holding talks with JAL in regards to joining the Oneworld alliance.

Vietnam Airlines was launched in 1965, its network now encompasses 41 international destinations. Recently it has been rumoured to have been eyeing the big three alliances, Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam.

April 21, 2008