Flight operations at Japan Air System, disrupted since Jan. 19 by cancellations because of engine defects in its MD-81 and MD-87 jetliners, will return to normal Feb. 8, the carrier said Wednesday.

JAS, a unit of Japan Airlines System Corp., found cracks in the engines of 18 of the jets in emergency inspections carried out after the first incident was reported.

The carrier said it will be able to return to normal operations as it will finish replacing some of the engines of the 18 planes by Feb. 7.