Japan Airlines - the largest carrier in Asia - has reported a significant loss in the three months to May, after ticket sales slumped¹ during the period.

日本航空--亚洲最大的承运公司--三至五月间由于机票售价下滑，损失惨重。

The airline has seen sales fall sharply

The airline made a loss of 99bn yen² ($1bn; £618m) during the quarter, down from a 3.4bn yen loss a year earlier.

The figures come as Japan's government prepares to provide an emergency loan to the carrier.

JAL could receive up to 100bn yen in state aid, say reports, providing the airline's management improves.

Any funding would be provided through state owned Development Bank of Japan (DBJ).

Earlier this year, JAL sought to borrow up to 200bn yen from a government low-interest loans scheme.

The carrier saw sales drop 32% to 334.9bn yen from a year before.

JAL is maintaining its forecast for the fiscal³ year to March of a 63bn yen net loss.