Japan lifts age limit for plane captains to 67

Tokyo

JAPAN on Thursday raised the age limit for being in charge of a commercial plane to 67, the latest effort in Asia for an industry struggling to get to grips with a drastic shortage of pilots.

The move looks set to make pilots working for Japanese airlines among the oldest in the world.

Until now, pilots have had to hang up their hats when they hit 65. Under Japan's new rules, those who are currently 64 or less will have the option of carrying on flying right up until their 68th birthday.

"We are aiming to ease a shortage while still ensuring safety," a transport ministry official told…