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Japan Airlines operating profit down 47 percent

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-07 11:36

TOKYO -- Japan Airlines, Asia's largest carrier, said Friday its operating profit fell by 47 percent in the fiscal first half, hit by high fuel costs and a tough economic climate.

A Japan Airlines counter at Tokyo airport. Asia's largest carrier, said Friday its operating profit fell by 47 percent in the fiscal first half, hit by high fuel costs and a tough economic climate. [Agencies]

Operating earnings dropped to 30.23 billion yen (US$311 million) in the six months to September, down from 56.65 billion yen a year earlier.

The airline has slashed thousands of jobs, scrapped unprofitable routes and introduced more smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft to try to restore its health in the face of high energy costs and sluggish demand.

JAL lowered its full-year operating profit forecast to 28 billion yen from a previous target of 50 billion yen.