Japan Airlines has appointed its first female President, Mitsuko Tottori, who started her career with the airline as a cabin attendant in 1985. She has been promoted from a senior managing executive role and will take over as president from April 1. This move is significant in Japan, a country where there's a large gender gap in the workplace.
Tottori's promotion is timely as Japanese companies are under pressure to improve gender diversity and address the country’s significant gender pay gap. Japan has the widest gender pay disparity among the Group of Seven nations, almost twice as much as the average in the OECD, a group of advanced economies.
At a news conference, Tottori expressed her hope that her appointment would inspire and encourage other women facing career challenges or major life events.
"I hope my appointment as a president can encourage them, or give them the courage to take the next step."
This leadership change is part of Japan Airlines' efforts to bounce back from the downturn caused by the pandemic and to welcome the increasing number of tourists returning to Japan.
Recently, airline safety has become a major concern, especially after a Japan Airlines plane collided with a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo's Haneda airport, leading to a fire on the plane. Thankfully, all 379 people on board were safe. JAL highlighted Tottori’s extensive experience and knowledge in safety operations and service.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. is the flag carrier of Japan. JAL is headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Its main hubs are Tokyo's Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport, as well as Osaka's Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport. The JAL group of which it forms part include Japan Airlines as well as J-Air, Japan Air Commuter, Japan Transocean Air, and Ryukyu Air Commuter for domestic feeder services, and JAL Cargo for cargo and mail services.