It is time for JAL to choose - and make hard decisions

The way is now clear for JAL to choose an American partner, and it looks like it will be a very tricky decision.

Both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines offer significant benefits to the Japanese flag carrier, but what is more important is that the airline itself undertakes the necessary reforms to restructure its operations and returns to profitability.

It must do away with the unprofitable routes, trim its fleet size and cut costs. Without all of this, the $1 billion odd package that Delta and American are offering will just go down the drain.