Air China and All Nippon Airways (ANA) will begin a code-share agreement on their flights between Beijing and Tokyo's Haneda Airport from 25 October.

Air China will put its code on ANA's daily flight, while ANA will put its code on Air China's twice daily flights on this route, say the carriers. As both carriers are also members of the Star Alliance, their customers will also enjoy reciprocal mileage accrual and redemption, lounge access and other benefits.

"With this agreement in place, both airlines will offer between them 106 weekly flights between Tokyo and Beijing and a total of 271 flights per week between Japan and China," add Air China and ANA.

Beijing is the fourth international route out of Haneda after Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai. Haneda mainly serves the Japanese domestic market, but its proximity to the centre of Tokyo means that it is a key air hub to the city.

As Haneda will officially open for international flights only from October 2010, after a fourth runway is completed, these services outside the country will initially be classified as charters.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news