Press Release

TokyoJanuary 16, 2008: From February 1, 2008, Japan Airlines (JAL) will inaugurate reciprocal frequent flyer program agreements with China Eastern Airlines (MU) and Mexicana Airlines (MX).

The agreement will enable members of the JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), JAL’s frequent flyer program, to accumulate mileage on China Eastern Airlines’ and Mexicana's air networks　and redeem flight mileage on China Eastern Airlines and Mexicana international and domestic award tickets. China Eastern Airlines and Mexicana frequent flyer programs members will also be able to accumulate and redeem mileage on JAL’s network.

Established in June 1988, China Eastern Airlines is one of the biggest airlines of China. Based in Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines operates over 350 domestic routes in China, and serves a total of 41 destinations worldwide including cities in Australia, Europe, Korea, Japan, North America and Southeast Asia.

Mexicana Airlines, one of the largest airlines in Mexico, began its operations more than 85 years ago. In addition to comprehensive network coverage of Mexico, the airline has the most extensive international network out of Mexico City connecting more than 50 destinations in North America, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

The two new bilateral agreements increase JAL’s total number of frequent flyer program partner airlines to 13, further extending and enhancing the network and benefits available to JMB members. JAL already has frequent flyer tie-ups with Air France, Emirates as well as oneworld member airlines American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways (including affiliate Dragonair), Finnair, Iberia, LAN, Malev, Qantas, and Royal Jordanian.   

JAL Mileage Bank members will be able to accumulate JMB mileage when traveling on China Eastern Airlines or Mexicana flights from February 1, 2008 excluding China Eastern Airlines’ flights serving between China and Japan. JMB award tickets can be redeemed on both international and domestic China Eastern Airlines and Mexicana Airlines flights.

For China Eastern Airlines’ flights, award applications can be made by JMB members from February 1, 2008 departing on and after February 8, 2008. For Mexicana flights, award applications can be made by JMB members from January 22, 2008 departing on and after February 1, 2008.

JAL Mileage Bank’s more than 20.69 million members can accumulate mileage not only by flying with JAL Group and its JMB partner airlines, but also by staying at JMB partner hotels and by using the services of various other JMB partner companies. Members can exchange mileage for a choice of awards, including flights, ticket upgrades, and JAL Coupons.

Japan Airlines, Asia’s biggest airline group, serves some 213 airports in 33 countries and territories worldwide. The group network extends over 235 international passenger, 39 international cargo, and 160 domestic routes, making a total of over 1,200 flights a day and carrying on average over 58 million passengers per year.

Please refer to www.jal.com for full details on the JAL Mileage Bank.

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MU MX FFP FINAL.pdf