BRITISH Airways has confirmed it is in talks with Japan Airlines about the Far East carrier joining the Oneworld alliance.
BA and JAL have a long-standing alliance on cargo, but the latest talks cover codesharing, frequent-flyer co-operation and schedule co-ordination.
ABA spokeswoman refused to outline details of the talks, but revealed they were on a range of topics.
Oneworld airlines – BA, American Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Canadian Airlines and Finnair – have said they would welcome JAL’s partnership.
JAL signed a codeshare deal with American last year which has yet to be approved by the US government.
All Nippon Airways announced plans last year to join the Star Alliance, prompting rival JAL to consider aligning itself with a global partnership.
Oneworld carriers will reveal more details of the alliance next month, including frequent-flyer and airport co-operation.
n BA’s First and Club traffic fell by 3.6% in December, while Economy grew by 12.9%.
The airline said that 1999 would continue to be tough on yields.