TOKYO- JAL or Japan Airlines (JL) is the flag carrier of Japan and one of two globally renowned airlines in the country, alongside All Nippon Airways (ANA).
JAL was founded over 70 years ago and presently runs a number of subsidiaries, including JAL Cargo, Jetstar Japan, Spring Japan, and Zipair Tokyo. Though founded as a government entity, the airline has been privately run for over three decades and is also traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
JAL is a part of the Oneworld alliance alongside other major global carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific, and presently flies to over 90 destinations domestically and overseas in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
As with its local rival, Japan Airlines also boasts a leading premium product, making it one of the top choices for travellers connecting between eastern and south-eastern Asia and the United States.
Having won several awards over the past few years for its service and punctuality, Japan Airlines is among a select group regarded as the gold standard of flying. JAL has close to 3,000 cabin crew on its payroll who are responsible for its exceptional reputation.
Here is a look at how much the airline pays them, a look at the added benefits they enjoy, the requirements to become one, and the hiring process the carrier undertakes to choose the best talent.
Photo: Japan AirlinesJapan Airlines Cabin Crew Salary
Japan Airlines cabin crew are some of the world’s best trained in the skies. They are put through a tailored program to match the carrier’s standards, irrespective of how rich their experience is.
Having said that, they are paid extremely competitive salaries and are also entitled to industry-leading non-monetary benefits throughout their employment.
Japan Airlines cabin crew earn a salary between ¥3.6 million and ¥6 million per year, or approximately ranging from US$24,800 to US$41,300 annually.
Photo: Japan AirlinesThe amount is largely variable on each individual’s overall experience, their seniority, and the type of aircraft, as well as the routes they operate on. Additionally, they also receive ¥1,700 (US$12) for each flying hour at an average of 70 per month.
Usually, the entry-level cabin crew is on the lowest pay slab, whereas those with multiple years of experience and working as cabin supervisors and pursers occupy the highest bracket.
The salary brackets are slightly lower than those of All Nippon Airways, but contrary to their rivals, JAL credits flight crew with an hourly rate over and above their base payouts.
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Photo: Japan AirlinesBenefits Enjoyed by JAL Cabin Attendants
Japan Airlines cabin crew are entitled to the following benefits in addition to their salaries and hourly pay rates.
- Staff travel – Japan Airlines has a staff travel scheme for all its cabin crew. Every individual and their families are entitled to up to 75% discounts on the airline’s network and that of its codeshare partners, while free tickets may also be availed on a stand-by basis.
- Insurance – Japan Airlines cabin crew receive medical insurance that takes care of all health-related expenses globally, as well as a mandatory life insurance policy that compensates their families in case of mishaps or inability to continue working.
- Bonus scheme – Depending on the airline’s and each individual’s performances in a fiscal year, they are entitled to receive bonuses, which can amount to two months’ salaries. A review also ensures that every cabin crew member receives increments on their salaries.
- Per diems – Japan Airlines cabin crew receive allowances on layover, with the amount varying depending on the destination and duration. The airline also covers their expenditure on accommodation, meals, and transportation when away from the home base.
- Career progression – Internal progression paths are offered to cabin crew employed by Japan Airlines. They are trained and mentored to keep up with the latest developments in the travel industry and also go on to accept senior or management positions with the airline.
Photo: Japan AirlinesHow to Become a Cabin Crew at JAL?
Japan Airlines requires its cabin crew to fulfil the following requirements.
- Height – You must be able to reach 210 cm on tiptoes and have a minimum height of 1.58 meters.
- Education – A minimum of three GCE O’ Levels or equivalent is required.
- Language proficiency – Fluency in English and Japanese is required, with exceptional communication skills and test scores to back the linguistic attributes.
- Appearance – Applicants must have no visible tattoos, braces, or eyeglasses (contact lenses are allowed).
- Medical and character requirements – You must pass a pre-employment medical exam, have good dental health, and maintain a neat, professional appearance. Additionally, candidates must have no prior criminal history.
- Must be able to adapt to changes in weather conditions, as this job requires you to fly to different countries with different seasons.
- Pleasant personality with a positive work attitude.
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Photo: Japan AirlinesRecruitment Process for Crew
Japan Airlines follows the process below for recruiting cabin crew:
- ONLINE APPLICATION – Japan Airlines requires all interested candidates to submit their resumes and any other supporting documentation online when a vacancy is advertised on their careers portal.
- ASSESSMENT DAY – Japan Airlines progresses shortlisted candidates to an assessment day at one of its offices, where interviews, group tasks, and skill tests are conducted to understand their suitability for the role with the carrier.
- CONDITIONAL OFFER – Those who pass the assessment step are presented with a conditional offer subject to the successful passing of the training program, clearing background and reference checks, and successfully passing a medical examination.
Photo: Japan AirlinesJapan Airlines cabin crew FAQs
Japan Airlines cabin crew earn between ¥3.6 million to ¥6 million per year, depending on their experience, seniority, and type of aircraft and routes operated. Additionally, they make ¥1700 per flying hour and are paid layover bonuses when spending time away from base.
Japan Airlines cabin crew are primarily based in Tokyo and Osaka to help operate from their bases there, but they may be deadheaded depending on operational requirements. A select number are also employed in countries like China, India, and Singapore to help with the regional barrier when flying to and from those destinations.
No, Japan Airlines is not actively hiring cabin crew at the moment, and any vacancies will be advertised on their careers portal.
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