Though it is literally last month’s news, Japan Airlines‘ bankruptcy is still causing ripples of surprise and consternation. How could matters have come to this? A sober airline run sensibly was the impression it gave the world. However, a fascinating article in the Vancouver Sun gives some insight into what really went wrong.
“JAL’s ills are much more deep-rooted than the vagaries of the business cycle.
Since its founding in 1951, JAL has set the standard for gracious cabin service and technical safety that other airlines have tried to follow.
But the JAL story is also part of the familiar Japanese tale of constituency patronage with politicians demanding that Ministry of Transport officials cook the figures to justify building regional airports in their districts … There are many similar stories and other variations on how political interference has sunk not only JAL, but distorted Japan’s transportation system.”
Read the rest of it here.
Tags: Japan Airlines