Almost all Jalways pilots were commuters to Japan and based in HNL. As I understand it the JAL pilot union fought vigorously to NOT allow foreign pilots to fly the 747-400. With the classics becoming expensive to operate the writing was on the wall if the Ex Pats were not allowed to fly the 400 their jobs would be eventually eliminated. It looks like the JAL pilot union was succesful in NOT allowing Ex Pats to fly the 400. This will not effect other JAL contracts in the short term like J-Air or the 737 pilots flying at JAL. It will also in the short term not effect ANA pilots but the political tide could change if they ever start furloughing Japanese pilots and Ex Pats are still employed, a round of protectionism could start. The Japanese economy is struggling and load factors are very low on most travel destinations. Cargo loads are also way down.
This is really sad news. I have a friend who has been there 15 years at least. At least there is some demand for 747 drivers. I think that they had been checked out on the -400, hadn't they?
I know some, such as my friend, were in the -400 transition training when they cancelled the class and sent them home...
The Japanese economy is struggling and load factors are very low on most travel destinations. Cargo loads are also way down.
The loads are really not that bad here at ANA, but the freight has indeed gone down by a good third.
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I know some, such as my friend, were in the -400 transition training when they cancelled the class and sent them home...
Some of the guys where already qualified on the 744, those guys are not in a too bad of a position since there are quite a bit more gigs out there for 744 drivers than for the classic. Heard that the contract agencies will give priority interviewing to those guys here at the ANA contracts
...Some of the guys where already qualified on the 744, those guys are not in a too bad of a position since there are quite a bit more gigs out there for 744 drivers than for the classic. Heard that the contract agencies will give priority interviewing to those guys here at the ANA contracts
My friend actually tried to interview at ANA over a year ago but was told they couldn't interview anyone who was employed at JAL - sounds like a mutual JAL-ANA agreement?
Well, he stayed in touch with the ANA recruiter (maybe even chief pilot, can’t remember?) and a few days ago was told they'll try to arrange an interview since they still have his file.
Hope it's true, I know he wouldn't mind moving to Japan as he married a Japanese lady...
There was indeed a gentlemen agreement between the two airlines to not scavenge from one another ( I was told by a contract agency rep ) but for what I have heard, apparently there is a drive to give these folks priority interview since it will represent a huge cost savings in training, these folks already have Japanese ATPL's and are quite used to JCAB check rides, the culture and flying in Asia. I suspect that quite a bit of the F/O's will probably go for DEC positions at AJV although some of the guys that are already qualified in the 744's will target KAL's 777's and A330's or target NCA. I wish them all the best of luck, I've had the opportunity to befriend quite a bit of the Jalways crews and they are an outstanding group of guys
I was in the last FO 744 transition class. We were allowed to complete the rating with the JCAB, but not scheduled for IOE. I was lucky to get the J-type, but have 0 hours in the aircraft. I just filled out an app or 10, and have flown 24 hours in the last 6 months...yikes. My class in in a unique position. The thought of going back to Japan for 6 more months of training is making me ill, but a paycheck is a paycheck. Hopefully we will get some offers.
I was in the last FO 744 transition class. We were allowed to complete the rating with the JCAB, but not scheduled for IOE. I was lucky to get the J-type, but have 0 hours in the aircraft. I just filled out an app or 10, and have flown 24 hours in the last 6 months...yikes. My class in in a unique position. The thought of going back to Japan for 6 more months of training is making me ill, but a paycheck is a paycheck. Hopefully we will get some offers.
Good luck to you. The Japanese took my cheese in October 2006. I was a 74 engineer in LAX. Are you still on the payroll until June 30th?
74plb
Last edited by 74plb : 03-08-2009 at 12:14 PM.
Reason: typo
Hope for the best for the Jalways guys. Currently we have 3 or 4 ex-Jalways pilots here at AJX and AJV who were hired within last few years. So maybe not a big problem coming over if interested - especially now.
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Are you still on the payroll until June 30th?
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