American Airlines Chapter 11 won't damage Japan service

The bankruptcy of AMERICAN AIRLINES, which has a partnership with JAPAN AIRLINES CO., is unlikely to result in a cut in flights servicing Japan given that many business travelers fly on trans-Pacific routes, most analysts say. The third-ranked U.S. carrier said it plans to operate normally while in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. * AA had engaged U.S. rival Delta Air Lines Inc. in a heated contest over which carrier would help struggling JAL get back on its feet. * "AA's bankruptcy illustrates the severe conditions that the airline industry is experiencing now," said a senior JAL official. ASIA IN FOCUS cg