Japanese carrier ANA has announced it is launching a codeshare agreement with Air China, on flights operated by both airlines between Beijing Capital International Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport starting October 25.
Air China will place its code on ANA’s daily flights on the route and ANA will place its codes on Air China’s twice daily flights.
Customers will also be able to accrue and redeem miles on both airlines and will benefit from reciprocal lounges and other benefits where applicable. Which is where problems can start.
It has been found code-sharing ONLY works when there is absolute parity of cabin service and comfort. These are the key points. If ANA serves up better food in greater comfort on more modern aircraft with better-trained staff, the agreement will not last six months. Passengers will revolt. This has been shown time and time again in real-life situations.
Trading Markets states that under the agreement, the airlines will offer 106 weekly flights between Tokyo and Beijing and 271 weekly flights between Japan and China between them. Which will be wonderful as long as the airlines are on absolute parity when it comes to customer comfort.