JAL takes neutral stance on alliance issue. New Chairman: carrier to be rebuilt “swiftly”

Kazuo Inamori, Japan Airlines’ (JAL) new Chairman, completed his first day in the job yesterday, pledging to carry out the rehabilitation plan “swiftly and steadfastly”. While Inamori admitted he is a “total outsider” to the airline industry”, he promised to “use my expertise in corporate management and aim to rebuild the carrier with all the employees united”. He added, “when we achieve this goal, I believe that we will be able to turn the carrier around”.