Austrian Airlines to join All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa in a Japan-Europe Joint Venture

Austrian Airlines flights are likely to fly into Japan and other international routes if it finally joins All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa in a Japan-Europe Joint Venture. Swiss International Air Lines, popularly called SWISS, is also expected to join along with Austrian Airlines. The joint venture is aimed at enhancing customers experience and convenience as well as increase competitiveness.

Leading Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways recently applied to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for antitrust immunity to add Austrian Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines to its Japan-Europe joint venture with Lufthansa. Both Austrian Airlines and SWISS are Lufthansa Group carriers.

Lufthansa Group and All Nippon Airways’ expanded bilateral joint venture is aimed at providing improved access and greater convenience to the passengers traveling on intra-Europe routes.
 
If this joint venture is approved, these carriers including All Nippon Airways, Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines will aim at launching joint sales initiatives from spring 2013.