JAL grounds 370 pilots in step towards voluntary retirement targets

Japan Airlines (JAL) has reportedly grounded 370 pilots and co-pilots for Oct-2010 as part of efforts to encourage them to voluntarily retire amid concerns it may not achieve its personnel reduction target under its court-administered rehabilitation plan (Asahi Shimbun, 09-Oct-2010). The crew have been given empty flight assignment schedules, with the carrier describing the act as "only a step to seek understanding for voluntary retirement". The carrier plans to eliminate 16,000 jobs by FY2011 and has achieved half of the target through early retirement programmes and other measures.