Japan Airlines Pilot wage in 2025

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Japan Airlines (JL) or JAL is the flag carrier of Japan and the local full-service rival to world-renowned Star Alliance member All Nippon Airways. Established nearly 75 years ago, JAL operates flights to 146 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 91 aircraft from its two bases in Tokyo – Haneda International Airport and Narita International Airport, as well as secondary hubs at Osaka’s Itami and Kansai Airports.

JAL recently came under the scanner due to its cutting down of pilot salaries owing to a drinking incident that caused a delay on a Melbourne to Tokyo flight. The move is not seen by many as a wise decision by the airline, particularly with Japan struggling to attract pilots. That said, here is all you need to know about how much exactly pilots are paid when working for the country’s flag carrier as well as an important Oneworld alliance member.

Japan Airlines Pilot Salary

Japan Airlines First Officer Salary

Japan Airlines employs first officers with an experience of less than five overall years, as well as individuals who graduate from flying schools. JAL first officers are responsible for assisting the captains in flying the aircraft from one destination to the other as well as partaking in communication with air traffic control and carrying safety checks on aircraft.

JAL pays its first officers a salary in the range of ¥1 million to ¥2.2 million per month ( approx. US$7,000 to US$14,000) depending on experience and seniority. The pilots have 18 to 19 operational days per month and are expected to work approximately 80 hours. First officers who complete a five-year contract are paid a completion bonus of ¥2.8 million (approx. US$18000).

The annual salary translates to ¥12 million to ¥26.4 million or between US$84,000 and US$170,000. Meanwhile, trainee pilots also receive a monthly bonus of ¥85000 or roughly US$550.

Japan Airlines Captain Salary

Japan Airlines captains are individuals with captaincy experience at another airline or those who at least have five years of experience at JAL. They lead the cockpit and cabin crews while in command of the flight. Their decision-making revolves around the flight’s navigation, safety, and other critical steps during takeoff, cruise, and landing.

JAL captains are compensated with a monthly payment between ¥2 million to ¥3 million (approx. US$13,000 to US$19,000). As with first officers, the seniority as well as the experience and type of aircraft flown are taken into consideration. At the end of five-year contracts for captains, a completion bonus of ¥4.6 million (approx. US$30,000) is paid out.

Benefits enjoyed by JAL pilots

Japan Airlines pilots are entitled to the following non-monetary benefits during their employment with the carrier.

OFF DAYS – Japan Airlines pilots receive 10 days off per month as part of their
roster and an additional 12 days of sick leave. Paid annual leave is equivalent to 24
days in a calendar year.
MEDICAL AND UNEMPLOYMENT COVERAGE – Japan Airlines pilots are
entitled to comprehensive medical insurance valid globally. The policy takes care of
every single expense that could be possibly incurred within Japan and while on
travels overseas. Additionally, expatriate pilots receive unemployment coverage
too in case of redundancies or job cuts that are beyond their control. A compensation
over and above their severance package is paid out.
COMMUTING ALLOWANCE – A commuting allowance is provided to all the
pilots from overseas to travel to their home countries. An amount equivalent to
US$2,000 is handed to them once per year, otherwise a round-trip ticket to Japan
Airlines or with one of their codeshare or Oneworld partners are offered.
FAMILY ALLOWANCE – The pilot’s immediate family also is provided allowance
to visit them in Japan. The spouse is entitled to two economy class tickets per year on
the home to base sector, while other dependents receive one ticket in coach annually.
In the case of captains’ families, accommodation for up to seven nights is also provided by
JAL.
EXPERIENCE AND RETIREMENT SCHEME – Experienced pilots are paid
monthly retainer sums ranging from US$86 to US$612 as they progress within the
airline over and above their salary. A retirement fund plan can also be optionally
discussed with the airline with the contribution income deducted from a pilot’s basic
salary.
BONUS SCHEME – Japan Airlines has a bonus scheme with a lump sum amount
paid out to pilots depending on combinations including their individual performances
as well as that of the company. This is in addition to the contract completion amounts
they receive at the end of five years of service with the carrier.

What aircraft do JAL pilots fly?

Japan Airlines, like its local competitor, All Nippon Airways, operates a fleet of Airbus as
well as Boeing planes. The full list of aircraft is as follows:

Airbus A350-900 – 15
Airbus A350-1000 – 9
Boeing 737-800 – 42
Boeing 767-300ER – 24
Boeing 787-8 – 23
Boeing 787-9 – 22

In addition to an existing fleet dominated by wide-body jets, JAL has the following planes on
order:

Airbus A321neo – 11
Airbus A350-900 – 23
Airbus A350-1000 – 4
Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 21
Boeing 787-9 – 20
Boom Overture – 20

How to become a pilot for Japan Airlines?

Japan Airlines has the following requirements for all its pilots, except those graduating from
flying schools, who spend a year on trainee status to achieve relevant coaching on the aircraft
the airline registers them.

ATPL
Class 1 medical
Valid passport
Level 4 ICAO English
Type rated for aircraft from the airline’s fleet

Depending on the individual’s experience in years and flying hours, as well as the airline’s
requirements, a contract is offered to join as a first officer or as a captain.

JAL’s hiring process for pilots

Japan Airlines follows the below hiring process for its pilots.

APPLICATION – An application is made on the airline’s careers website while JAL
also advertises openings on sources like Flight Global and LinkedIn. The pilot needs
to submit his resume and in some cases, a cover letter.
INTERVIEW – An interview is conducted for suitable candidates in which their
technical skills and personal attributes are assessed in line with the airline’s
requirements. A check for the pilot’s licenses and other legal documents might also be
held during the interview.
SIMULATOR TEST – A simulator test is conducted for the pilot by inviting them to
the airline’s facility in Tokyo. This tests their proficiency in real-life situations while
responses in emergency procedures are also checked for experienced first officers and
captains.
OFFER – A conditional offer is made to the individuals subject to the successful
obtaining of their work permit in Japan as well as various background checks and
medical tests. After these steps, the contract is officially signed.

Japan Airlines Pilot FAQs

1) Where are Japan Airlines pilots based?

Japan Airlines pilots are based in Tokyo and operate mostly from the carrier’s hubs at Haneda or Narita. However, for operational reasons, they may be shifted to Osaka too.

2) How much are Japan Airlines pilots paid?

Japan Airlines pays its pilots between ¥12 million and ¥36 million depending on their status,
experience, and type of aircraft flown. A bonus amount is also paid at the end of a five-year
spell.

3) Is Japan Airlines currently hiring pilots?

There are currently no vacancies on the Japan Airlines career page but there is a shortage of pilots in Japan, so the airline may have a hiring program sooner rather than later.

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