UPDATE 1-JAL seeks 50 bln plus yen debt relief from DBJ - Nikkei

Oct 22 (Reuters) - A government-appointed task force crafting a revival plan for Japan Airlines Corp (JAL) (9205.T) has asked the Development Bank of Japan to provide more than 50 billion yen ($550 million) in debt waivers and debt-for-equity swaps, the Nikkei reported.

The task force -- which reports directly to Transport Minister Seiji Maehara -- is also asking Mizuho Financial Group Inc (8411.T) unit, Mizuho Corporate Bank, to agree to nearly 50 billion yen in debt waivers and debt-for-equity swaps, said Nikkei.

The paper said the company's lenders are urging the task force to lobby the government to reduce Japan's airport usage fees and other charges that are high compared with overseas peers.

JAL pays an estimated 100 billion to 120 billion yen a year in landing fees, airport facility fees and fuel taxes, said the paper.

The struggling airline, Asia's largest by revenue, has been scrambling to put together a new turnaround plan under the supervision of the government, which is overseeing its restructuring after backing a 100 billion yen loan.

Separately, Nikkei said, JAL plans to reduce its 90.7 percent interest in JAL Hotels Co.

But it intends to remain the top shareholder, Nikkei said, quoting the JAL unit's president, Katsumi Chiyo. ($1=90.65 Yen) (Reporting by Arundhati Ramanathan in Bangalore; Editing by Aradhana Aravindan)