Skymark Airlines to hire 470 JAL retirees

Skymark Airlines announced plans to hire 470 former Japan Airlines employees including 120 former JAL captains and first officers in addition to around 50 mechanics and 300 cabin crew by 2013/14 (Kyodo/AFP/Nikkei, 02-Nov-2010). The move comes as Skymark looks to expand its small domestic network to/from Tokyo Narita and launches international operations. Last month the carrier announced plans to purchase four A380s for its international expansion. The former JAL employees will account for roughly 30% of Skymark's total personnel, which numbered ,378 on 01-Nov-2010.