Japan Airlines up in the air

JAPAN AIRLINES may be about to introduce Premium Economy on the Tokyo – Sydney route (from 1 December) but readers should take note that the airline posted a half year loss of about US$1bn and has both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines fighting for future control.  The essential claim is that JAL has been badly managed and could run out of cash within a few days.  It is thought that the new Japanese government would not want the airline to flounder, although it has publically stated that bankruptcy is a possibility.  Should Delta find the finance, much of which would come from private equity sources, it would mean JAL leaving oneworld for SkyTeam, a complicated process.  An American Airlines involvement would suit British Airways.  Up for grabs is the highly lucrative Japan – USA air trade.  The JAL Sky Shell Seat, which won the 2008 Good Design Award, is the world's first shell-shaped seat in Premium Economy Class.  It is already available on routes between Tokyo (Narita) and JAL's main gateways in Europe – Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Moscow and Paris, as well as the four destinations in mainland USA served by the airline – Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. www.jal.com

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