Japan will consider abolishing a special budget account for building airports, said new Transport Minister Seiji Maehara, who complained that the existence of the account has resulted in the country’s building of unneeded airports. Elimination of the account could result in lower airport charges in Japan, as well as fewer underutilized airports.

The Japanese government is attempting to head off increasing concern over a cash crunch at Japan Airlines by quickly issuing a promise to support the airline, if necessary. Unwarranted worries about the airline are spreading, said Transport Minister Seiji Maehara, adding that foreign financial institutions have been inquiring into its financial condition. The government must eliminate those concerns, Maehara said.

South Korea is reviving its KFX fighter program, with a potential production run of up to 250. If approved, the KFX will be developed as a Generation 4.5 rather than a fifth-generation fighter, making it simpler and cheaper than the original concept by dropping requirements for F-35-like stealth. Instead, the new fighter will combine a moderately reduced radar image with electronic jamming and agility.