JAL makes sweeping network cuts

JAPAN Airlines (JAL) has posted a widespread series of route and frequency changes. The struggling carrier is laden with debts and is waiting either for an industry buyout or a bailout from the Japanese government.In, what it calls in a statement, “a bold review of underperforming routes”, JAL will discontinue operations on one all-cargo, eight international and eight domestic routes. Flight frequency on two international routes will also be reduced, and the total effect of these changes is a reduction of 61, 91 and three weekly return flights in the international, domestic and cargo networks respectively.Between April 2009 and September 2010, this will bring the total number of reductions and suspensions of routes to 13 international, 15 domestic and two cargo, along with the closure of offices in Kobe, Japan; in Mexico City; and in the Chinese cities of Hangzhou, Qingdao and Xiamen.Aircraft used on a total of four routes will be also be downsized as JAL renews its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft.  

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