TOKYO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Japan's transport ministry on Tuesday issued a second improvement order against Japan Airlines due to a string of incidents of the flight crew including pilots drinking alcohol.
The reprimand marks the second of its kind issued against Japan's flagship carrier in less than 12 months, with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism saying that it is the first time the order had been issued twice to a single air carrier.
The first improvement order followed a JAL co-pilot being arrested by British police after a drinking session the night before a London-Tokyo flight on Oct. 28 last year left him 10 times over the legal limit under British aviation law.
Since April, however, there have been a string of other incidents involving JAL flight crew, including pilots, found with alcohol in their systems prior to flying.
"We recognize that this is an extremely serious and critical situation. We are unflinching in our determination to prevent similar incidents," JAL President Yuji Akasaka told a press briefing after the order was issued Tuesday.
The transport ministry has insisted that JAL revise its company education program and overhaul its training program.
The ministry also said it will continue to oversee the airline in the best interests of safety.
"We will continue to strictly supervise the airline to ensure safe flying conditions are maintained," transport minister Kazuyoshi Akaba told a press briefing earlier Tuesday.
