Transport Min: expects turnaround body to assess JAL

TOKYO, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Japan's transport minister said on Thursday he expects a government-backed turnaround body to asses Japan Airlines Corp (9205.T) on its own.

JAL said earlier in the day it will apply for assistance from the turnaround body, which is able to tap up to 1.6 trillion yen ($17.73 billion) in state-guaranteed funds next March. [ID:nTFA006481]

Transport Minister Seiji Maehara also received a restructuring plan for the struggling carrier from the government-appointed task force earlier the day.

(Reporting by Nobuhiro Kubo)