Japan Airlines could file for the Japanese equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as early as next week, and may also cut its work force by up to 30% over the next three years under a state agency turnaround plan.

Vietnamese police have arrested the former CEO of Qantas affiliate Jetstar Pacific and prevented two Australian executives of the carrier from leaving the country. State newspaper Tuoi Tre says the former CEO, Luong Hoia Nam, is accused of neglecting responsibility causing serious damage to state property. The accusations relate to fuel hedging contracts that resulted in losses exceeding $31 million, local media report. Jetstar Pacific is majority owned by the Vietnamese state interests.

Driven partly by a need for more rescue aircraft during natural disasters, Chinese aircraft manufacturer Avic is looking to develop a new class of rotary-wing aircraft through one of its subsidiaries. It would be developed by Avicopter in coopertaion with Russian Helicopters, and could go into service in five to 10 years. The helicopter, called the Advanced Heavy Lifter, is being pitched as a civilian aircraft, but Avicopter has not ruled out military uses.