Japan Airlines considering separating company into 'new' and 'old' segments

Japan Airlines' lenders, including the Development Bank of Japan, are reportedly considering approaching the Japanese Government for increased involvement in JAL's rehabilitation, citing a major deterioration in its operations (Reuters, 22-Sep-2009). The lenders are reportedly reluctant to provide additional loans to the carrier and are calling for a streamlining of the carrier's operations, including the separation into distinct entities. (Its profitable operations could be separated from unprofitable segments). Another proposal reportedly under consideration would have the government provide capital to JAL's new entity, as part of a temporary nationalisation of these operations, while the old entity would be subject to a liquidation of assets over time.

Japanese Transport Minister, Seiji Maehara, reportedly plans to meet with Japan Airlines President, Haruka Nishimatsu, to discuss the company's restructuring plan, on 24-Sep-2009 (Bloomberg, 21-Sep-2009). Mr Machara will also meet with the state-owned Development Bank of Japan and other lenders to JAL.

Japan Airlines will reportedly cut approximately 600 jobs, equating to approximately 10% of workers, at its four maintenance units by the year ending Mar-2012 (Bloomberg, 21-Sep-2009). The job reductions will coincide with a merger of the maintenance companies on 01-Oct-2009 and overall capacity reductions.

British Airways is reportedly in discussions with Japan Airlines regarding deeper cooperation between the two airlines, in an attempt to keep the Tokyo-based carrier as part of the oneworld alliance (Dow Jones, 21-Sep-2009).