Through this initial agreement, which comes into effect on 28 October, 2018, the two airlines will start offering code share flights on select routes between Japan and Indonesia, and on domestic flights operated by Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines, respectively. Garuda Indonesia will also offer code share flights on certain transpacific routes operated by Japan Airlines.

"Indonesia is well known for its warm hospitality and rich diverse culture" said Yuji Akasaka, President of Japan Airlines. "We look forward to the partnership with Garuda Indonesia, which continuously strives through its transformation programme and has achieved a 5-star Airline rating by Skytrax. I truly believe we can provide our mutual customers the highest level of service.

Garuda Indonesia President CEO Pahala N. Mansury said "We are pleased to announce this partnership with JAL which will further extend our network not only to Japan, but also to the USA. Japan is an important market for Indonesia and through this partnership we can offer more travel options for the increasing number of passengers travelling between the two countries and beyond Japan. At the same time, the partnership is expected to boost trade and tourism activities by making Indonesia much more accessible for Japanese visitors."

"This partnership is believed to offer a unique advantage for Garuda Indonesia's passengers who will enjoy JAL's unparalleled services including check-through service, lounge access, in-flight meal and other service said Pahala.

In addition to the code share cooperation, in which JAL and Garuda Indonesia aim to expand the applicable routes in the near future, the carriers will look to develop the partnership in various areas, including the enhancement of their frequent flyer programmes and ultimately pursue a joint business structure in their respective market, the airlines said in a joint statement.

JAL has been picking itself up after serious financial woes almost destroyed it. Its recovery plan initially turned the company into little more than a booking agency for flights operated by other airlines under code share arrangements. It has been steadily rebuilding for almost a decade. Garuda Indonesia has also turned itself around after it almost went out of business when Indonesian airlines, including Garuda, were banned from the airspace of many countries. It now has a modern well maintained fleet (as do all Indonesian airlines) and has a growing reputation for service as low-cost and even inexpensive full (ish) service airlines snap at its heels.