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1-Apr-2025 5:55 AM

JAL VP: Russian airspace closure, aircraft and pilot shortage make network planning 'challenging'

Japan Airlines (JAL) VP international route strategy Motohisa Abe, speaking at Routes Asia 2025, stated (25-Mar-2025) the closure of Russian airspace is "a big burden for us" and the carrier has had to "sacrifice a lot of resources" and update its strategy to accommodate the situation. Mr Abe said the shortage of new aircraft and pilots also makes network planning "quite challenging", but also "quite interesting". He said JAL may focus more on longer haul markets, particularly connecting Asia to the US, over short haul markets where there is more LCC competition. He added that JAL may seek to expand operations from secondary airports in Japan, such as Hiroshima Airport or Sapporo Chitose Airport, if there is an opportunity.

Background ✨

Japan Airlines experienced a strong recovery in international demand despite challenges in key markets such as China and Europe1. The airline's strategic adjustments included ceasing flights over Siberian airspace due to Russian airspace closures, leading to longer and more costly routes2. Additionally, inbound demand was strong, buoyed by a weak yen, although outbound demand was still low but gradually improving3.

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