Japan Airlines files for bankruptcy protection

Asia\'s biggest air carrier, Japan Airlines (JAL), has filed for bankruptcy protection.



Japanese media reports say some 15,600 jobs are expected to be cut, while all board members have also voted to resign.



A state-backed turnaround organization, Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation said it plans to inject about 300 billion yen into the airline.



Japan\'s government said flights will continue as normal as the airline begins restructuring.



Along with other major global airlines, JAL has been hit hard by falling passenger numbers during the global economic downturn and has debts of US$25.6 billion.