Las Vegas could lose its only nonstop air service from Asia next year.

But local tourism officials say the effects of Japan Airlines' likely exodus are minimal and that Asian demand to visit this city will remain strong with or without the carrier's three direct weekly flights from Tokyo.

JAL representatives have informed McCarran International Airport that they could cancel their Las Vegas service by late summer or early fall. A decision is expected early next week.

The airline is losing money systemwide and may retire some of its older jets, including those used on its Las Vegas route, Clark County Aviation Director Randall Walker said Thursday.

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