Japan Airlines Slashes Executives’ Salaries After Pilot Drinking Scandal

Japan Airlines (JAL) is taking decisive action against its senior leadership following a misconduct incident involving two of its pilots. In a move reported by local media outlet Nippon.com, President Mitsuko Tottori and Chairperson Yuji Akasaka will face a 30% pay cut for two months. Additionally, three other executives from the airline’s flight operations and safety management divisions have been subjected to disciplinary measures.

The disciplinary actions come in the wake of a troubling incident on December 1, 2024, involving flight JL774. Scheduled to depart from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT), the flight experienced a delay of over three hours when two pilots were found to have tested above the legal alcohol limit. This breach of Japan Airlines’ strict internal guidelines, which prohibit drinking within 12 hours of boarding, prompted immediate repercussions from the airline’s leadership.

In response to the incident, President Tottori addressed the media with a statement of regret. “There was a wrong decision on an important point involving directors. We are deeply sorry,” she told local reporters. Tottori also announced that Yuji Akasaka would be removed from his role as safety controller, signaling the airline’s commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and accountability.

The December incident is not the first time JAL’s top executives have faced consequences due to pilot misconduct. In 2018, a similar situation occurred when a pilot failed an alcohol breathalyzer test before a flight from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Tokyo. The pilot was subsequently jailed, and several managers, including Akasaka, endured pay cuts of up to 20% for three months. This recurring issue underscores the challenges JAL faces in enforcing its alcohol policies among flight crews.

Japan Airlines has implemented various measures to prevent such incidents, including the introduction of a new breathalyzer system at international airports in 2018. These efforts aim to ensure that all pilots adhere to the airline’s zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol consumption before flights. Despite these measures, the recent incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities within the airline’s safety protocols.

Mitsuko Tottori, who ascended to the role of Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Japan Airlines in April 2024, is the first woman to lead the company. Her leadership is being tested as she navigates the aftermath of the December scandal. Tottori began her career at JAL as a flight attendant, bringing firsthand experience of the airline’s operations to her executive role.

The decision to impose financial penalties on senior executives is part of JAL’s broader strategy to reinforce its commitment to safety and accountability. By holding top leadership accountable, the airline aims to set a strong precedent for all employees, emphasizing that violations of safety protocols will have significant consequences.

The repercussions for the executives extend beyond financial penalties. The removal of Akasaka from his safety controller position indicates a structural shift within JAL’s safety management framework. This change is intended to restore confidence among passengers and stakeholders that the airline is taking meaningful steps to enhance its safety standards.

As JAL continues to address these internal challenges, the airline remains focused on maintaining its reputation as a reliable and safe carrier. The financial support previously provided, including an AU$80 million (US$52.3 million or €50.2 million) loan in November 2024, and the recent A$50 million (US$31.3 million or €30.1 million) debt purchase by the Australian government for REX Airlines, illustrate the airline’s ongoing efforts to stabilize and strengthen its operations amidst industry-wide pressures.

The December 2024 incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation. Japan Airlines’ swift and decisive actions against its executives reflect the airline’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and integrity, ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.

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