Japan Airlines goes bankrupt but continues to fly

Japan Airlines (www.JAL.com) has applied for bankruptcy protection which means that it can continue to operate a normal service while it restructures its operations.

The airline declared itself bust earlier this week after amassing debts of more than billion, but it says none of its flights to and from the UK will be affected.

Japan's Transport Minister Seiji Maehara said: The Government will back up efforts to achieve the airline's revival while ensuring the continuation of stable and safe operations."

A message on the airline's website www.uk.jal.com/en/ said: "Please rest assured that your reservations, flight tickets and all air and land services remain unchanged and will continue functioning normally as JAL undergoes this business revitalization.

"We look forward to your continued support."

Package tours booked through any Japan Airlines' operator, including Jaltour and Euro Creative Tours (www.jaltour.co.uk) are unaffected by the airline's financial situation and will go ahead as planned.

Meanwhile, China Airlines (www.china-airlines.com) will launch the first non-stop flights from the UK to Taiwan on March 28. The new service will operate three times a week from London Heathrow to Taipei.

At the moment, the easiest way to get to Taiwan is to fly via Bangkok with Eva Air (www.evaair.com) or via continental Europe.

Return flights from Heathrow will start at £585 including taxes.

Though Taiwan is not as popular with British holidaymakers as other parts of Asia, it is famed for its year-round festivals, including the nationwide Dragon Boat Festival in June and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.

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