Japan Airlines to Lay Off 4,300

Japan Airlines said Tuesday it would cut 4,300 jobs over three years as part of a larger revival plan to create steady profits and sustainable growth.

Airline parent JAL Group said its bold review of the work process would also seek to increase workforce productivity by 10 percent.

The job cuts — which come less than two years after the airline said it would cut almost 6,000 positions — amount to eight percent of the airline’s 53,100 employees. The carrier also said it would add more midsize planes and trim the number of large planes in its international fleet to 39 percent from 58 percent by 2011.

It will also end or reduce unprofitable routes, introduce domestic first-class service and add international premium economy class.

JAL reported a $90 million third-quarter net loss, down from $91 million a year earlier. The company forecasts an annual profit of $25 million this year, compared with 2006′s $392 million loss.

Under its revival plan, JAL seeks to post net annual profits of $58 million in 2008 and $307 million in 2011.