The Sky Team grouping of airlines that is headed by Delta Air Lines volunteered a helping hand to Japan Airlines (JAL) which equals to $1bn (£600m). According to Delta, cash assets were proffered to Japan Airlines in case it quitted from the One World Alliance where American Airlines was the member of it.

It became known that Japan Airlines were looking for a financial support from the Japanese government which was considered to be the fourth attempt since 2001.

Delta is looking forward to enlarge its direction to Japan which means the company wants JAL to become the part of SkyTeam’s Far East alliance. Korean Air and China southern are the members of SkyTeam’s Far East alliance. Making a merger with JAL, Delta will have a good opportunity to expand routes between the US and Japan.

The Sky Team made an offer to Japan Airlines according to which the team was able to purchase shares of JAL for the amount of $500m. Moreover, $300m will be given to JAL as a guarantee to cover all losses connected with the leaving the One World alliance, $200m in asset backing and $20m to cover expenses of Japan Airlines for changing alliances.

As for JAL, the company decided not to comment on the offer. Lately it was reported by Japan Airlines that the company lost 32.3bn yen ($357m; £214m) during July to September period while it was estimated that it had 40.1bn yen profit a year earlier.

Right now, Japan Airlines is trying to find a way to pay off $15bn of debts and a big pension deficit. The company is also struggling with falling passenger numbers as result of the economical recession.