JAL and American to Share Japan Airlines’ Sakura Lounge at Honolulu

American Airlines and Japan Airlines (JAL) are to operate JAL’s Sakura Lounge at Honolulu International Airport jointly and to share use of the lounge for their premium customers.

The shared lounge at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the two oneworld carriers’ first joint lounge since gaining antitrust immunity and becoming partners in a transpacific joint business in 2010.

“American’s co-location with Japan Airlines in Honolulu is a great example of how the airlines are working together to improve our joint customers’ travel experience,” says Nancy Knipp, American’s president – Admirals Club. “The lounge supports our efforts to provide more seamless service and a consistent lounge experience for our Admirals Club customers.”

Japan Airlines has ordered a total of 32 Boeing 767-300ERs for international operations. By November 2011, 28 of the 767-300ERs had been delivered. JAL operates the type in two-class configuration, with 30 business-class seats and 207 economy-class seats

Located on the third level of HNL’s Main Overseas Terminal, accessible from the central lobby across from the central security checkpoint, the Admirals Club/Sakura Lounge is close to American’s ticket counter, gates and security checkpoint. The lounge is also only steps away from concourse concessions and shopping.

“We are delighted to welcome American Airlines customers to the Sakura Lounge in Honolulu where they can enjoy the many available services and amenities,” says Takahisa Hatakeyama, vice president of product and service development for Japan Airlines. “This cooperation is yet another example of how our joint business continues to bring greater benefits to our customers.”

The 7,000-square-foot facility has ample seating for guests to relax, refresh and enjoy views of the airport’s fishponds and cultural gardens. An elevator is available to transport customers from the lounge to the gardens below for a leisurely stroll.

Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom and the decor of the lounge is designed to reflect the peace and relaxation associated with the flower. Detailed woodwork throughout in a cherry wood finish reflects the beauty of nature.

Guests of the club can take advantage of two Internet-ready computers within the business area and Wi-Fi is complimentary to all customers. Guests can also unwind in a relaxation corner, which offers programmable-massage lounge chairs. A self-service beverage counter provides guests with complimentary soda, beer, wine and light snacks.

The jointly operated Honolulu lounge will employ both American Airlines and JAL premium-service representatives to serve customer needs. The Admirals Club lounge is open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. during standard time and 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during mainland Daylight Saving Time. Hours are subject to change.

To mark American’s co-location with Japan Airlines in Honolulu, American is offering a $50 discount on new Admirals Club memberships or $25 off an annual renewal membership when purchased at the Honolulu lounge. The promotion will be valid through December 31.

American, a founding member of the oneworld alliance, operates more than 40 Admirals Club locations and four Flagship Lounge locations in airports throughout the world. American opened its first joint lounge with British Airways at Denver International Airport in 2010 and recently began co-locating with British Airways in the Galleries Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport.

For more information on Admirals Club lounges and Japan Airlines lounges, visit www.aa.com/admiralsclub and www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/lounge.