JAL and Air Astana signed a codeshare agreement, the two airlines announced today, August 22, 2024. The two airlines will start putting each other’s flight numbers on selected flights from the spring of 2026, when Air Astana is expected to launch non-stop flights to Tokyo.
In addition to JAL adding its flight numbers to Air Astana’s planned Almaty – Tokyo Narita service, which was the impetus behind the codeshare partnership happening in the first place, selected domestic flights in Kazakhstan and Japan will also be a part of the partnership. Air Astana’s Almaty – Astana and Atyrau flights will also be offered as JAL flights while JAL’s Tokyo – Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Naha will also be bookable as Air Astana flights.
“Through the codeshare partnership with KC, JAL will expand its network into Kazakhstan, located in the heart of Central Asia, which previously remained a white spot on JAL’s network map,” said JAL’s statement.
“Our collaboration with Japan Airlines is an exciting development that will enrich our international network and offer more travel options for our customers. We look forward to delivering a seamless travel experience for passengers between Kazakhstan and Japan,” said Air Astana Group’s CEO Peter Foster.
Air Astana initially planned to launch the Almaty – Narita route this year, however, it delayed the launch to 2026 due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines, which its A321LRs that it plans to send to Tokyo use.
