Press Release

~ From the flight crew to the maintenance team, JAL Group operates a special flight to recognize its female professionals, and celebrates the day by offering a refreshing and heartfelt travel experience. ~

Tokyo, March 3, 2016:  In recognition of “Girls’ Day” or Hina-matsuri, a traditional Japanese festival that celebrates girls’ health and happiness, Japan Airlines (JAL) operated a scheduled flight from Tokyo-Haneda to Komatsu on March 3, 2016, with an all-female team of company professionals including the flight crew, maintenance staff, cargo handlers and the catering team. At the departure gate, JAL female staff representing the numerous operational departments also gathered for a warm send-off.

“Today, approximately 46 percent of JAL employees are female, and our aim is find new ways to utilize our resources as one of our corporate strengths, not only for promoting company diversity, but to better identify opportunities in this ever-changing marketplace and to provide new values and innovation for our customers,” said Junko Okawa, Senior Managing Executive Officer, who on April 1, 2016, will be appointed as the first-ever female Representative Director at Japan Airlines, and will head the company’s newly-established Communication Division. “JAL is committed to creating a more diverse work environment and one where women play stronger leadership roles within the organization.”

To encourage and support the development of its female workforce, JAL has been implementing tailored initiatives including training programs to provide more opportunities and incentives for the individual growth. As part of its corporate mid-term rolling plan, the JAL Group has also set a target to increase the ratio of female management to 20% or more from the current level of 15% by the end of FY2023.

This is the eighth year that Japan Airlines has celebrated Hina-Matsuri by offering a refreshing and heartfelt travel experience to customers, and recognizing the skills and professionalism of its female employees throughout the company.

Hina-matsuri Flight Details on March 3, 2016                         (Time: Japan time)

20160303-JAL Celebrates Hina-Matsuri (Girls’ Day).pdf