Japan Airlines (JAL) and Garuda Indonesia have signed a Joint Business Agreement, following approvals from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in terms of antitrust. The agreement will allow the two carriers to cooperate on commercial flights between Indonesia and Japan and on domestic flights in both countries. The two airlines, a statement said, aim to offer greater benefits to passengers by offering them additional flight options, a broader network, better connections and an enhanced frequent flyer program. Further details, they emphasize, will be announced soon.

Mitsuko Tottori, President and Group CEO of Japan Airlines, informed, "We expect to launch this joint-venture in the second quarter of 2025". Garuda Indonesia President and CEO Irfan Setiaputra, in turn, said, "This partnership represents an important step towards strengthening air transport ties between the two Nations, and aims to expand our commercial presence and improve connectivity between Indonesia and Japan".

Jal, a Japanese airline founded in 1951, currently (September 2024) has in its fleet Airbus aircraft (models A-321neo, A-350/900, A-350/1000), and Boeing (-737/800, -737 MAX 8, -767/300ER, -777/300ER, -787/8, -787/9). In its fleet also two (plus 1 on order) -767/300 Converted Freighter used for cargo flights.

The national carrier Garuda Indonesia, as of last August, operates a fleet of Airbus (A-330/200, A-330/800neo, A-330/300, A-330/900neo), and Boeing (-737/800, and -777/300ER, one of which is used as a State aircraft). It operates cargo routes with two A-330/300 P2F and one B-737/800 BCF.