JAPAN'S biggest airline has flown out of recession, with a 16.2 per cent increase in the number of international passengers putting Japan Airlines (JAL) back into profit this year. JAL announced pre-tax profits from April to September of US$119 million (about HK$918 million) following a US$26 million loss in the same period last year. Lower fares on overseas routes are credited with luring more passengers, with the number of international passengers increasing to almost five million. 'Business travel, depressed since 1990, showed signs of recovery,' a spokesman said. JAL also introduced new livery this year in a bid to boost its corporate appeal. The airline operates an average of 864 flights a week to 61 cities in 25 countries around the world. JAL also operates an annual 'Sky School' in Hong Kong for about 200 underprivileged children. Since the scheme was introduced 10 years ago, about 2,000 children have enjoyed a spin over Hong Kong.
