Japan Airlines (JAL) is to deepen its partnership with Malaysia Airlines with the aim of bringing more international travelers into regional Japan.
The move launches a new phase of cooperation centered on Fukuoka, as the two airlines prepare for Malaysia Airlines’ new Fukuoka-Kuala Lumpur route, set to begin September 2, 2026.
The partnership is part of a broader push by the JAL Group to support the Japanese government’s goal of attracting 60 million international visitors by 2030. It is also intended to help revitalize local economies by connecting international travelers directly to Japan’s regions rather than routing them solely through major cities.
Codeshare agreement expanded
Starting August 7, 2026, JAL began selling seats on Malaysia Airlines’ new Fukuoka-Kuala Lumpur route through a codeshare arrangement, ahead of the route’s official launch in September 2026.
Beyond that single route, Malaysia Airlines will also add its airline code to JAL-operated domestic flights connecting to and from Fukuoka Airport. That expansion is designed to give inbound travelers smoother connections across Japan’s domestic network, while reinforcing Fukuoka’s role as an international gateway into the country.
Part of a strategy to promote regional destinations in Japan
JAL described the new Fukuoka initiative as the second phase of a broader effort to bring international visitors directly into Japan’s regional destinations, rather than concentrating tourism in major hubs alone.
The airline highlighted that, by linking regional airports with its global network and airline partners, it aims to create economic and social value for local communities as part of its long-term sustainability goals.
A frequent flyer incentive to mark the launch
To celebrate the new route, JAL is rolling out a Double Miles Campaign for members of its JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) loyalty program.
Members who register during the campaign and fly on eligible flights will earn 100% bonus miles on top of their regular flight miles.
Registration for the campaign runs from August 7 through October 31, 2026, and covers travel between September 2, 2026, and March 31, 2027.
The offer is open to JMB members from any region, but it only applies to flights JL7098 and JL7099 between Fukuoka and Kuala Lumpur, and only to bookings under JL flight numbers, with some booking classes excluded.
Codeshare flight bookings are already available through JAL’s official website as of August 7, 2026. The airline noted that all schedules and operations remain subject to government approval and may still change.