Japan Airlines to maintain partnership with American Airlines/Oneworld alliance: reports

Japan Airlines will reportedly maintain its partnership with American Airlines and the oneworld alliance and end talks with Delta Air Lines and SkyTeam alliance (Asahi Shimbun, 07-Feb-2010). The carrier reportedly believes an alliance switch is too risky, and could hinder its ability to turn around the airline quickly. An official announcement is reportedly expected this week or next. Delta, meanwhile, stated it "continues to be in discussion" with JAL and that it "is confident" a partnership "would provide the greatest opportunity for JAL to increase annual revenues over the long-term" (Bloomberg, 07-Feb-2010). Meanwhile, American Airlines stated it is "inappropriate'' to comment on any alliance plans by JAL prior to an official announcement.