Photo/Illutration Japan Airlines Co. aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

In response to a string of alcohol-related incidents, Japan Airlines Co. wants its pilots to guarantee in writing that they won’t drink before flights.

The airline is demanding all pilots submit a written pledge to comply with its internal rules on drinking as part of efforts to prevent a recurrence.

According to sources, the company has distributed an electronic version of the vow to pilots.

The document asks pilots to abide by the internal rules on alcohol consumption and requires them to check a box next to the statement: “I will not cause any incidents related to alcohol.” The only option available is “Yes.”

The pledge does not specify any consequences for violations.

The airline will also hold an “emergency discussion” among all pilots by the end of September to confirm their awareness of safety issues, the sources said.

Pilots are expected to discuss what can be done to restore public trust.

Additionally, the company will introduce additional alcohol testing for pilots at airport layovers starting Sept. 30, the sources said.

Currently, pilots undergo two preliminary checks on the day they report for duty and are cleared to fly if they pass a final formal screening before boarding.

However, some within JAL have urged pilots to hold off on signing the pledge until the company clarifies its position, arguing that the scope of its enforceability is unclear.

JAL has faced repeated incidents related to pilots’ drinking, prompting the transport ministry to issue an advisory to improve business operations in December.

As part of emergency measures, the airline prohibited drinking at layovers and also produced a “watchlist” of individuals deemed at risk based on their drinking habits, subjecting them to stricter oversight.

Despite these precautions, a captain consumed alcohol at a hotel in Hawaii during a layover on Aug. 27, a day before his scheduled flight, in violation of internal rules. He subsequently complained of feeling unwell, causing delays of up to 18.5 hours for three flights.

Although the captain was on the company’s watchlist, he was classified in the lowest of three risk categories. He was dismissed on disciplinary grounds as of Sept. 11.

Taking the matter seriously, the transport ministry issued a stern warning, a form of administrative guidance, to the airline on Sept. 10.

At a news conference on Sept. 12, transport minister Hiromasa Nakano called for more stringent measures and initiatives than previously instituted. 

JAL announced on Sept. 17 that it will impose disciplinary pay cuts on 37 senior company officials over the latest incident.

President Mitsuko Tottori will receive a 30 percent salary reduction for two months, while Yukio Nakagawa, director and chief safety officer, and Masaki Minami, head of flight operations, will each have their salaries reduced by 20 percent for one month.

All other directors and executive officers will be subject to a 10 percent pay cut for one month.

The company plans to compile a new set of preventive measures by the end of September in response to the transport ministry’s stern warning.

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