JAL is to increase fuel charges on international flights for three months starting from April 1.
It has requested approval from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism to revise the surcharge placed on all international passenger tickets issued for the period.
JAL said the decision was because the price of Singapore kerosene-type jet fuel has risen by nearly US$40 per barrel during calendar year 2007, reaching an average of US$109.06 per barrel between November 2007 and January 2008.
The surcharge on a Japan-Europe ticket or a Japan-North America ticket will be 20,000 yen, up from 17,000 yen.
The airline said the surcharge will be progressively reduced as the price of fuel decreases, and will be cancelled completely when the price of Singapore kerosene stays below the benchmark of US$50 per barrel.
Charges for tickets issued from July to September 2008 will be reviewed based on the average price of fuel for February through to April.
By Bev Fearis
