JAL’s new president Mitsuko Tottori emphasizes ‘room for growth’ in first interview; Eyes secondary income streams

Mitsuko Tottori, Japan Airlines Co.’s new president, cited “room for growth” as she announced Wednesday that the company will boost its secondary, non-aeronautical revenues.

Tottori revealed this position during her first interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun and other media since taking the top position on April 1. Tottori is the airline’s first female president and the first president with experience as a flight attendant.

Regarding management, Tottori stated that the company aims to generate 50% of its revenue from secondary business activities by strengthening its mileage services and low-cost airlines (LCCs), a strategy based on the decline in the company’s business performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

JAL has expanded its non-aeronautical businesses, which account for 40% of revenue. Tottori believes that the mileage business in particular “still has room for growth.”

Asked how she feels as JAL’s first female president, Tottori said: “I have no special feelings about being a female president.

“Major life events are a natural part of a woman’s life, so I want to create an enjoyable workplace with systems and structures that make it easy for women to return to work.”

In an accident at Haneda Airport in January, all 379 people on board the JAL aircraft survived, and the crew’s response was praised. “Without safety there is no business. There are lessons to be learned for the future, and we will incorporate these into our training,” she emphasized.