It seems that with every passing day, despite having received many Government-backed bailout and a rebound in the global economy, Japan Airlines is pushed a little more towards bankruptcy. Currently, both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are trying to pursue the carrier with attractive offers of financial aid, with the aim that a share in JAL will give them a strong foothold in the Asian market. The carrier, on the other hand, does not seem to be willing to take in an international partner, which has put both the future of JAL and a possible alliance under considerable doubt.

After JAL, All Nippon Airways Co. is Japan's largest airline, and it goes without saying that with the former failing, the latter would gain huge amounts of profits. Currently, Nippon competes with JAL on as many as 30 of its total 40 international fly routes and might just be looking to take up some of the carrier's overseas business.

Under the current situation, experts feel that it is most likely that JAL will partner with American, which is beneficial for both sides, but what happens remains to be seen. A partner of American in the Oneworld airline alliance, JAL will most probably file for bankruptcy on January 19.

"JAL's situation didn't get any better in the past under the partnership with American. To drastically change, JAL needs to change partners", it is speculated.