Japan Airlines named its first female president on Wednesday, a former cabin attendant who rose through the ranks to senior management, taking a deeply symbolic step in a country struggling to close a vast gender gap at work.
Mitsuko Tottori, a senior managing executive officer who joined JAL in 1985, the year it suffered one of the worst crashes in airline history, will become president from April 1, it said in a statement.
→ Japan Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000
The appointment comes as Japanese companies face increasing pressure to boost gender diversity and tackle a gender pay, Reuters reported.
“There are female employees out there who are struggling with their career steps or going through big life events,” Tottori told a news conference.
“I hope my appointment as a president can encourage them, or give them the courage to take the next step.”
The change comes as the airline seeks to recover from the pandemic-era downturn.
JAL has set itself a target for women to make up 30% of managers across the group by the end of the fiscal year to March 2026. By the end of March 2023, the corresponding figure was 22.8%.
Related Topics
Aena Presents Expansion Project for Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Delta Bets Big on Seattle: New International Routes and Two VIP Lounges
American Airlines to Elevate Premium Travel Experience in Miami with New Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club Expansion
Thousands of Passengers Stranded at Doha Airport and Long Lines in Dubai

Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.