AFTER BANKRUPTCY AND MAKEOVER, JAPAN AIRLINES RETURNS

Before Kazuo Inamori, founder of electronics firm Kyocera Corp, was brought in as chairman of bankrupt Japan Airlines in 2010 he avoided flying on the carrier because he thought the service was bad. 

"I really hated JAL," the 80-year old Inamori, who is now chairman emeritus, told Japanese television in June. "JAL was arrogant and didn't care about its customers." 

As much as JAL has focused on slashing costs, it has also sought to close the service gap with local rival All Nippon Airways - putting in new seats, revamping in-flight menus and installing electronic toilet seats in some business and first class cabins. 

That investment underscores JAL's belief that customers will pay a premium for full-service flights, including on shorter domestic routes even as low-cost carriers are expected to grow their share of Japan's market from just under 10 percent now.

19/09/2012  :  The Economic Times.

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