Maehara: JAL failure not an option

Transport minister Seiji Maehara sought Wednesday to restore public confidence in Japan Airlines Corp. by saying the government would not allow the struggling former national carrier to fail.

"JAL is more than capable of rebuilding itself on its own," Maehara said. "The government will provide support if the need arises."

Maehara hastily called a news conference because of recent public concerns about JAL's viability.

He met with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama before the news conference.

Hatoyama said Wednesday the government will ensure that no problems arise in air travel due to JAL's financial difficulties.(IHT/Asahi: October 1,2009)