Japan Airlines: fuel too pricey for Moses Lake

By Associated Press

Summary

After nearly 40 years, Japan Airlines says the high price of fuel means it will stop using Grant County, Wash., International Airport for training early next year.

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Story Published: Jun 20, 2008 at 7:31 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 9:01 PM PST

MOSES LAKE, Wash. (AP) - After nearly 40 years, Japan Airlines says the high price of fuel means it will stop using Grant County, Wash., International Airport for training early next year.

The airline is closing the Moses Lake-based 747-400 training department facilities in March.

Japan Airlines Executive Assistant for Administration Brenda Martinez cites both the cost of fuel to train on a four-engine aircraft and the costs to bring trainees and flight instructors to Moses Lake.

Martinez notes the airline will begin to phase out passenger models of the 747 in 2009 and will be switching to two-engine aircraft. She says the larger aircraft will be used for cargo, but will not fly in Moses Lake.

The final training session will end in February.