ANA, Singapore Airlines eye joint fares for Japan-Singapore flights

All Nippon Airways and Singapore Airlines will launch joint fare products for flights between Japan and Singapore starting in September as they deepen their commercial partnership, the two carriers said Thursday. The two Star Alliance carriers signed a deal the same day to launch a joint venture aimed at providing customers with enhanced flight connectivity beyond their existing codeshare arrangement. Subject to regulatory approval, the two companies also plan to deepen cooperation in key markets including Australia, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, they said in a joint statement. "Customers of both airlines will be able to enjoy seamless, high-quality services by choosing either carrier," ANA President and CEO Shinichi Inoue said at the ceremony. Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said the joint venture underscores the carrier's commitment to the Japanese market and that the partnership will ensure increased flight frequencies and access to the "strong connectivity at both the Singapore and Tokyo air hubs," according to the statement. The joint fare tickets for Japan-Singapore flights, in which common price levels are set, will go on sale in May.<br/>