TOKYO, Feb 5, 2008 (AFP) - Japan Airlines, Asia's largest carrier, said Tuesday it would raise its regular international air fares by up to 17 percent mainly due to higher fuel costs.

The move was based on decisions by the International Air Transport Association to allow member airlines to raise fares for the second straight year in the face of soaring fuel prices.

The new fares will become effective on April 1, pending approval by the governments concerned, JAL said in a statement.

Fares will be raised by 13 percent on routes to and from Japan with North America and Hawaii, and by 10 percent on Asian and Oceanian routes, the statement said.

It said fares on European routes will be raised by six to 17 percent.