Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines announced a wide reaching new partnership at a ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 25.
The agreement, which includes codesharing, joint lounge access and frequent flyer program reciprocity, is subject to government approval and, if greenlighted, will take effect March 25.
"We are delighted to partner with Japan Airlines for our long-term future in Japan," Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley said in a statement. "Japan Airlines embodies the welcoming culture of Japan and is renowned for the quality of its services. Our partnership will greatly increase travel choices for those in Japan looking to travel to Hawaii as well as for those in Hawaii looking to travel to Japan."
The partnership also includes plans for the two carriers to establish a new joint venture that will augment the options for travel to Japan and the wider Asian market.
"Hawaiian Airlines is well known among Japanese travelers for its warm hospitality and its excellent record for punctuality and safety," Japan Airlines President Yoshiharu Ueki said in the release. "We look forward to providing our passengers with additional options of exceptional service and comfortable travel to and throughout the Hawaiian Islands."
Moving forward, the two airlines will share access to each other's domestic flight networks, and Hawaiian's Japan-to-Hawaii flights will be offered on JALPAK, a package tour operator and subsidiary of Japan Airlines.