Former Flight Attendant Named Japan Airlines' First Female President

In a significant first for the aviation sector, Japan Airlines has named its first female president. The recently chosen president has a distinct viewpoint inspired by her time as a flight attendant. Her elevation to the position of president of Japan Airlines represents a break from customary leadership practices and reflects the airline's dedication to diversity.

She is well-positioned to lead the airline to new heights, having begun her career as part of the cabin crew and worked her way up to the executive suite.

This nomination marks a progressive transition in the historically male-dominated aviation industry and the beginning of a promising period of innovation and transformation, breaking down barriers.

Who Was Named As The First Female President Of Japan Airlines?

Japan Airlines' incoming president Mitsuko Tottori speaks during a news conference on January 17, 2024 | Image: CNN

To bridge the enormous gender gap in the workplace, Japan Airlines has appointed its first female president¡ªa former flight attendant who advanced to senior management¡ªin a very symbolic move for the nation.

Mitsuko Tottori joined JAL in 1985, the year of one of the worst airline crashes ever, is all set to take on her new role in April, as per reports.

What Inspired This Move?

Japan Airlines' incoming president Mitsuko Tottori| Image: Reuters

The announcement of the appointment coincides with mounting pressure on Japanese businesses to increase gender diversity and address the country's greatest gender pay gap¡ªwhich is nearly twice as large as that of the OECD's index of advanced economies¡ªas well as gender inequality.

At a press conference, Tottori stated, "There are female employees out there who are struggling with their career steps or going through big life events." "I hope that being appointed president will inspire them or give them the confidence to move forward."

The move comes as the airline works to recover from the decline caused by the covid-19 pandemic and as travellers return to Japan.

After a collision this month at Tokyo's Haneda airport between a JAL airliner and a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft, airline safety is receiving more attention. When the airliner caught fire, all 379 occupants managed to flee.

Mitsuko Tottori, the new president of Japan Airlines, stands with Yuji Akasaka in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward on Jan. 17 | Image: Asahi

Tottori gained a "high degree of insight and field experience" in safety operations and maintenance, according to JAL.

The airline said in a statement that Yuji Akasaka, the current president, will take on the role of chairperson in addition to maintaining his status as a representative director.

The current chairman, Yoshiharu Ueki, plans to retire in April and step down as a director in June, subject to shareholder approval.

By the end of the fiscal year that ends in March 2026, JAL wants to have 30% of its managers be women.

When Will She Join As First Female President Of Japan Airlines?

It was announced in a statement on Wednesday that she will take office as president on April 1.

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