Saturday, January 25, 2025 In a bold move to reinforce accountability and emphasize passenger safety, Japan Airlines (JL) has announced salary reductions for its top executives following a serious incident involving pilot misconduct. This decision comes in the wake of a December 1, 2024, episode where two pilots tested positive for alcohol, causing significant operational delays and reputational damage. The incident unfolded at Melbourne Airport (MEL), where flight JL 774 was scheduled to depart for Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT).
Pre-flight alcohol breathalyzer tests revealed that two pilots had violated Japan Airlines’ strict no-drinking policy, which prohibits alcohol consumption within 12 hours of boarding. This breach resulted in the flight being delayed by over three hours, leaving passengers stranded and prompting widespread scrutiny. The airline’s immediate response involved replacing the pilots and conducting a thorough investigation.
While no safety risks were directly posed to passengers due to pre-boarding checks, the incident raised serious concerns about compliance and oversight within the company. In a public statement, Japan Airlines announced disciplinary actions against senior leadership, including President Mitsuko Tottori and Chairperson Yuji Akasaka. Both executives will receive a 30% salary reduction for two months.
This unprecedented step underscores the airline’s commitment to taking responsibility at all levels of the organization. In addition to pa.
