NHK has learned the Japan Coast Guard plans to resume helicopter operations at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. as early as Friday. This comes nearly two months after a fatal collision between one of its planes and a passenger jet.

The Japan Airlines jet carrying 379 passengers and crew collided with the coast guard plane upon landing on January 2. Everyone on the JAL flight evacuated safely. Five of the six crew on the coast guard plane were killed.

The coast guard aircraft is believed to have mistakenly entered the runway after its pilot apparently misinterpreted the controller's instructions.

Following the accident, the coast guard suspended personnel of its Haneda Air Station from operating aircraft. It has reviewed safety measures and provided them with psychological care.

Other coast guard air stations across Japan have continued their operations after taking emergency safety measures, holding meetings to discuss safety and checking operation manuals.

Sources told NHK that officials decided to resume coast guard helicopter operations at Haneda after considering that safety systems have been checked, and that helicopters do not need to use a runway for take-off and landing.

Preparations are also underway for the coast guard to resume operations of fixed wing aircraft at Haneda.