Japan's Transport Minister confirms Government support for JAL's rehabilitation

Japan's Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Seiji Maehara, confirmed (19-Jan-2010) that JAL has filed for bankruptcy and confirmed that sufficient funding will be secured from the ETIC and the Development Bank of Japan during the rehabilitation period. The Japanese Government, which stated it would provide "necessary support" for the restructuring efforts, is also requesting the understanding and cooperation of foreign governments and related organisations to enable JAL to continue its flight operations without interruption. [more - Ministry for Transport] Separately, Mr Maehara stated Japan's aviation industry would be reorganised in the future (The Yomiuri Shimbun, 20-Jan-2010).

Japan Government: "It's necessary to seriously reexamine the way we administer the rules that govern the aviation industry and study whether we need two megacarriers in Japan. The issue needs to be studied and a conclusion has to be made by the end of the three-year rehabilitation support period at the latest," Seiji Maehara, Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister. Source: The Yomiuri Shimbun, 20-Jan-2010.

Japan Government: "The most important thing is that all people who work for JAL renew their sense of dedication and do their best for its revival. We will support their efforts so that people can fly on a JAL plane whenever they want," Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. Source: KUNA, 19-Jan-2010.