HONOLULU — Officials from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii County and the Big Island Visitors Bureau are planning to meet this week with Japan Airlines executives.

The Hawaii group left Tuesday for Japan to discuss the continuation of the daily Narita to Kailua, Kona flight.

As part of the carrier's bankruptcy reorganization, JAL is reviewing the performance of its routes including the daily flight from Narita to Kona International Airport.

Tourism Authority head Mike McCartney says Hawaii officials are extremely concerned about losing the route. McCartney says he is actively working with JAL to see how the state and visitor industry can assist to ensure the route continues.

JAL has provided the daily service to the Big Island since 1996.