Rebirth of the Dancing Crane - Part 2

Following privatisation in the 1980s, Japan Airlines continued to grow, until it faced the threat of bankruptcy in 2010. Having emerged successfully from that crisis, it is now struggling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, as Jozef Mols details

There had been discussions in Japan about possible airline deregulation since the late 1970s and, on November 18, 1987, JAL was completely privatised. Although the airline had been the designated national flag carrier since 1972, it would now have to compete with All Nippon Airways and Japan Air System on both domestic andinternational routes. Increased competition resulted in changes to the airline's corporate structure. It was reorganised into three divisions: international passenger services, domestic passenger services and cargo and mail services.

Facing stiffening competition, JAL embarked on a series of codeshare agreements with major airlines around the globe. In 1986, the airline had entered into one with Qantas on two routes:

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below