BA confirmed yesterday that it will not expand its alliance with Japan Airlines Corp., as a landmark antitrust application will remain on hold while JAL cements its links with American Airlines as a priority.
American, a unit of AMR Corp. (AMR), recently secured immunity to expand its links with JAL on transpacific flights. BA said earlier this year it would seek similar status with JAL for services between the U.K. and Japan in 2011 in what would be the first effort to win immunity on flights between Europe and Asia.
For JAL, the American relationship is of "greater significance" right now, according to BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh, but BA remains happy to discuss a joint application for antitrust immunity if and when JAL is ready.