Japan Airlines (JAL), the flag carrier of Japan, has been flying the nation’s skies for nearly 75 years. Based mainly at Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, with additional hubs in Osaka, the airline has also built a reputation for precision, safety, and Japanese hospitality. Today, JAL serves 146 domestic and international destinations with a modern fleet of 151 aircraft, making it one of Asia’s most recognised full-service carriers and an important member of the Oneworld alliance.
Despite its proud legacy, JAL has faced challenges in recent years – particularly a shortage of pilots. The shortage worsened after an incident where a captain’s drinking led to a delay on a Melbourne to Tokyo flight, which pushed the airline to tighten rules and, controversially, cut certain pilot pay benefits. Even so, JAL remains a respected employer, and for many aviators, flying in Japan with its disciplined aviation culture is still an attractive career choice.
Here’s a detailed look at what pilots at Japan Airlines can expect to earn, along with their benefits, requirements, fleet, and how to become one of their flight crew.
Japan Airlines (JAL) Captain Salary
Captains at JAL are experienced aviators, often with years under their belt either at the airline itself or with other carriers before transitioning to the left-hand seat. They carry ultimate responsibility for the aircraft, passengers, and crew, from pre-flight planning to safe arrival.
A Captain at Japan Airlines earns between ¥2.1 million and ¥3.1 million per month (US$14,500–US$21,000). As with First Officers, the pay scale is also influenced by experience, aircraft type, and length of service.
Moreover, on top of their monthly salary, Captains completing a standard five-year contract are awarded a completion bonus of ¥4.7 million (around US$31,000). This brings their total annual earnings to somewhere in the range of ¥25.2 million to ¥37.2 million, equivalent to US$174,000–US$257,000.
Japan Airlines (JAL) First Officer Salary
At JAL, First Officers are the backbone of the cockpit, working alongside captains to handle navigation, radio communications, safety checks, and monitoring systems. Many join directly from flying schools, while others come with a few years of commercial flying experience elsewhere.
First Officers at JAL typically earn between ¥1.05 million and ¥2.3 million per month (around US$7,200–US$15,000). Their exact pay also depends on seniority, experience, and aircraft type. On average, they fly about 80 hours per month, across 18–19 operational days.
Over a year, this adds up to roughly ¥12.6 million to ¥27.6 million (US$87,000–US$183,000). In addition, pilots on a five-year contract receive a completion bonus of about ¥2.9 million (US$19,000).
Even trainees at JAL are compensated – they usually receive a monthly stipend of about ¥90,000 (US$600) during their initial training period. While modest, it helps ease the costs of living until they transition to full First Officer duties.
Pilot Benefits at JAL
In addition to salary, Japan Airlines pilots enjoy a generous package of allowances and perks. These are particularly important in Japan’s high-cost environment.
- Days Off: Pilots receive 10 rostered days off per month, in addition to 12 days of sick leave and 24 days of paid annual leave.
- Medical Cover: Comprehensive global health insurance covers pilots and their families, valid both in Japan and during overseas trips.
- Unemployment Protection: For expatriate pilots, additional unemployment coverage is included in case of redundancies, ensuring financial security.
- Commuting Allowance: Pilots working overseas are given about US$2,000 annually for commuting home, or a free round-trip flight with JAL or a Oneworld partner.
- Family Benefits: Spouses also receive two economy-class tickets per year, dependents get one, and captains’ families can claim accommodation for up to a week.
- Experience Retainer: As pilots gain seniority, they receive a small monthly retainer of US$90–US$600 in addition to their salary.
- Retirement Plan: Pilots may opt into a retirement fund scheme, with contributions deducted from their salary.
- Bonus Scheme: Performance-based lump sums are paid depending on both personal and company results.
Japan Airlines Fleet in 2025
As of August 2025, Japan Airlines operates the following mainline aircraft:
| Aircraft | In Service | Orders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A321neo | — | 11 | Deliveries to commence in 2028. |
| Airbus A350-900 | 16 | 22 | Order includes 25 options. |
| Airbus A350-1000 | 10 | 3 | Replacing Boeing 777-300ER. |
| Boeing 737-800 | 42 | — | |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | — | 38 | Deliveries to commence in 2026. |
| Boeing 767-300ER | 24 | — | |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 11 | — | To be retired in 2025 and replaced by A350-1000. Includes JA732J (first 777-300ER prototype). |
| Boeing 787-8 | 23 | — | |
| Boeing 787-9 | 22 | 10 | Deliveries through 2027. 10 to be transferred to Zipair Tokyo. Includes 10 options. |
| Boeing 767-300BCF (Cargo) | 3 | — | Dedicated freighter fleet. |
| Total | 151 | 84 | Mainline + cargo aircraft. |
Moreover, Japan Airlines also has 20 Boom Overture supersonic jets on order, signalling JAL’s ambitions to be part of the next generation of high-speed travel.
Japan Airlines Pilot Requirements
For anyone aspiring to join Japan Airlines, the requirements are strict. Candidates need:
- A valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
- A Class 1 Medical Certificate
- A valid passport (for international travel)
- ICAO English level 4 or above
- Type rating on one of JAL’s aircraft types (preferred)
Fresh graduates from flight schools may also apply, though they spend about a year as trainees before operating commercially. Depending on operational requirements, the experience is also advertised in line with captain or first officer vacancies.
Japan Airlines Pilot Hiring Process
The hiring process at Japan Airlines is designed to test both technical and personal suitability. Here’s how it works:
- Application – Candidates apply through JAL’s official careers site or via postings on aviation job boards such as FlightGlobal and LinkedIn. A CV, licences, and supporting documents are submitted.
- Interview – Selected candidates undergo interviews, where both technical knowledge and soft skills such as teamwork and leadership are assessed.
- Simulator Test – Applicants are invited to Tokyo for a simulator check. They are also tested on standard procedures, handling unexpected events, and decision-making in emergencies.
- Offer – Successful pilots receive a conditional offer, subject to medical clearance, background checks, and work permit approval. Once cleared, they sign their contract and enter JAL training.
This thorough process ensures that JAL recruits pilots who meet both international safety standards and the airline’s own cultural expectations of discipline and reliability.
Bottom line – Japan Airlines Pilot Salary
Japan Airlines remains a prestigious name in Asian aviation. While pilot salaries have faced scrutiny in recent years, the pay and benefits still place JAL among the more attractive employers in the region. For pilots who value structure, respect, and the chance to fly some of the most modern long-haul aircraft in the world, JAL represents a solid career path.
Whether joining as a fresh First Officer or stepping in as an experienced Captain, the financial rewards, lifestyle perks, and professional pride make JAL a strong contender for pilots looking to fly in Japan.
Japan Airlines Pilot Salary FAQs
A Japan Airlines captain at earns between ¥2.1 million and ¥3.1 million per month (US$14,500–US$21,000). Notably, this works out to an annual salary range of ¥25.2 million to ¥37.2 million (US$174,000–US$257,000), plus a five-year completion bonus of ¥4.7 million (~US$31,000).
First Officers at JAL typically earn ¥1.05 million to ¥2.3 million per month (US$7,200–US$15,000), depending on seniority and aircraft type.
Yes. Both Captains and First Officers at JAL receive completion bonuses at the end of a standard five-year contract: ¥4.7 million (US$31,000) for Captains and ¥2.9 million (US$19,000) for First Officers.
Even trainee pilots at JAL are paid. They receive a monthly stipend of about ¥90,000 (US$600) during their training period, before transitioning into the First Officer role.
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