Photo/Illutration Japan Airlines Co. planes at Haneda Airport in Tokyo’s Ota Ward (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Japan Airlines Co. submitted a set of preventive measures to the transport ministry on Sept. 30 to curb future violations after a captain's drinking during a layover in Hawaii substantially delayed three flights.

These measures include removing six pilots from duty who were flagged as at-risk concerning alcohol consumption with the aim of eventually reinstating them subject to expert evaluations.

JAL has also revised its previous "watchlist” of at-risk pilots. Pilots are now classified by six levels based on past alcohol-related incidents and health check data.

The airline said it plans to establish a specialized committee to review and improve its alcohol management system in October. The committee will incorporate expert opinions and submit updated preventive measures to the transport ministry again at the end of November. 

In addition, pilots are to undergo additional alcohol tests at their layover locations between eight to 18 hours before going on duty as an emergency measure.

JAL previously required all pilots to sign a pledge to comply with its drinking rules. However, due to internal opposition over the unclear scope of the pledge’s enforceability, the signature plan was dropped. The company said it will continue its temporary ban on alcohol during layovers.

In late August, a captain on JAL’s internal watchlist reported feeling unwell the day after drinking before going on duty during a layover in Hawaii. This led to delays of up to 18.5 hours across three flights and affected around 630 passengers. The pilot was dismissed on Sept. 11.

Subsequent investigations revealed 10 instances of the captain drinking during layovers since May. He also changed time records of self-administered alcohol tests to conceal his actions.

It was found that of approximately 60 self-tests the captain conducted, all read positive for alcohol and more than 10 of his entries were falsified.

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