Japan’s transportation minister sought on Thursday to allay concerns that the country’s new centre-left government might withdraw financial support for Japan Airlines, the loss-making carrier that is seeking at least Y100bn ($1.09bn) in emergency aid.

Seiji Maehara, who assumed the transportation post on Wednesday, said: “Japan’s skies have always had two airlines, and it’s important that we continue with a system of two major airlines. We absolutely cannot allow a bankruptcy.”