Japan Airlines cancels San Diego-to-Tokyo flights

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Japan Airlines' grounding of its seven Boeing 787s
Wednesday could spell trouble for its recently introduced Dreamliner service
between San Diego and Tokyo.

A 787 operated by All Nippon Airways made an emergency landing in
western Japan due to an electrical fire that sent smoke into the cabin,
prompting ANA to ground all 17 of its 787s.

Japan Airlines followed suit today. One of its 787s had an electrical
fire in Boston Jan. 7.

Boeing's newest airliner also has had problems with fuel leaks.

Japan Airlines' flight between Lindbergh Field and Narita Airport was
hailed as a potential boon to the local economy when it was launched on Dec. 2.
The long-haul run was made possible by the fuel efficient Dreamliner.

Carol Anderson of Japan Airlines told City News Service the San Diego-to-Tokyo flight was canceled through Friday.

“Operations beyond that date will be decided after further
assessment,” Anderson said. The next flights are scheduled for Sunday and
Monday.

A woman at Lindbergh Field said five agents were helping
make alternate arrangements for her trip to Okinawa to visit her husband.

“I do work a lot, and it's nice to finally go on vacation and then,
`Guess what? Your flight's canceled.' And you're like, `OK, well, that's great,
should I go to work and come back tomorrow?”' she said.

About 50 Dreamliners are in service worldwide. Together, ANA and Japan
Airlines have the biggest bloc.