Trougled carrier Japan Airlines (JAL) will discontinue a total of 16 routes starting next month as part of its own efforts to reduce operating costs and cut losses, Dow Jones reported. The airline said it will cut eight international passenger routes, mainly to destinations in Asia. A further eight domestic passenger routes will be discontinued, including short-haul flights like Tokyo to Kobe, as well as one cargo route. JAL also said it will downsize the aircraft used on a further five routes. Meanwhile, the head of a government-backed corporate turnaround body overseeing the resuscitation of JAL said that a rescue package is likely to be completed no sooner than January.