Japan Airlines Expands Malaysia Airlines Cooperation to Strengthen Fukuoka as an International Gateway

Japan Airlines Expands Malaysia Airlines Cooperation to Strengthen Fukuoka as an International Gateway

(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines is expanding cooperation with Malaysia Airlines as part of its regional revitalisation strategy, with Malaysia Airlines launching a new Fukuoka–Kuala Lumpur route on 2 September 2026. JAL will begin codeshare sales for the route on 7 August 2026, with flight numbers JL7098 and JL7099 operating alongside Malaysia Airlines’ MH56 and MH57 services. Malaysia Airlines will also add its code to JAL-operated domestic flights to and from Fukuoka Airport, improving onward connectivity across Japan for inbound travellers. To support the launch, JAL will run a Double Miles Campaign for JAL Mileage Bank members travelling on eligible codeshare flights between 2 September 2026 and 31 March 2027.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOKYO, Japan, 2026-Aug-7 — /Travel PR News/ — Japan Airlines is advancing its regional revitalisation efforts by expanding cooperation with joint business partner Malaysia Airlines, as the carrier prepares to launch a new route between Fukuoka and Kuala Lumpur on 2 September 2026.

The initiative forms the second phase of JAL Group’s efforts to generate international travel demand to and from Japan while deepening connections between overseas travellers and regional destinations across the country.

JAL is using its aviation network, resources and airline partnerships to support the Japanese government’s target of welcoming 60 million international visitors by 2030.

Through this approach, the airline aims to help revitalise local economies by encouraging international travellers to visit regional Japan directly, rather than relying only on major metropolitan entry points.

As part of the new cooperation, Japan Airlines will begin codeshare sales on 7 August 2026 for Malaysia Airlines’ new Fukuoka–Kuala Lumpur route.

The route will be operated by Malaysia Airlines from 2 September 2026.

JAL said the cooperation will help position Fukuoka as a stronger international gateway for inbound travel to Japan.

Malaysia Airlines will also add its code to JAL-operated domestic flights departing from and arriving at Fukuoka Airport.

This domestic codeshare expansion is expected to improve connectivity across Japan for inbound travellers and make it easier for passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur to continue their journeys to regional destinations.

The initiative reflects the JAL Group’s wider commitment to working with global partners and local communities.

By connecting regional cities with major urban centres and international markets, JAL aims to create social and economic value for local areas while contributing to the development of a sustainable society.

To mark the launch of the new codeshare cooperation, JAL will also run a Double Miles Campaign for members of JAL Mileage Bank, known as JMB.

Eligible JMB members who register for the campaign and travel on qualifying codeshare flights will receive 100 percent bonus miles in addition to regular flight miles.

The campaign registration period runs from 7 August 2026 to 31 October 2026.

The eligible travel period runs from 2 September 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The campaign is open to JMB members from all regions.

Eligible flights are JL7098 and JL7099 on the Fukuoka–Kuala Lumpur route.

Only JL flight numbers are eligible, and certain booking classes may be excluded.

Bookings for the codeshare flights will be available from 7 August 2026.

Schedules and operations remain subject to government approval and may change.

The planned flight schedule is as follows:

Through the expanded partnership with Malaysia Airlines, Japan Airlines is strengthening Fukuoka’s role as an international access point and supporting broader tourism flows into regional Japan.

The initiative combines international connectivity, domestic network access and loyalty programme incentives to encourage more visitors to explore destinations beyond Japan’s major gateway cities.

SOURCE: Japan Airlines