Japan Airlines (JAL) has restarted its flight attendant recruitment program in the Philippines, aiming to boost its workforce of English-speaking staff as international travel to Japan surges. The initiative, which was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, is part of JAL’s broader strategy to enhance its global service quality.
In collaboration with local staffing agency TDG Human Resource Management, JAL plans to hire dozens of Filipino flight attendants, with the first batch expected to join the airline in January 2025. The partnership will continue annually, ensuring a steady flow of skilled, English-proficient flight attendants to cater to the growing number of foreign visitors traveling to Japan.
TDG will play a crucial role in the recruitment process by overseeing candidate selection and providing essential training. This includes Japanese language lessons and customer service skills tailored to JAL’s high standards. Once selected, the flight attendants will undergo final training in Japan, preparing them to serve on routes between Manila and Tokyo, as well as other key international destinations.
JAL initially began recruiting flight attendants in the Philippines in 2019, when it partnered with TDG to hire 40 cabin crew members. However, the program was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. With the resumption of this initiative, JAL is now looking to strengthen its international workforce, following similar recruitment efforts in Bangkok, Singapore, and Taipei in the past.
As Japan continues to experience an influx of international tourists, particularly from English-speaking countries, this move is seen as a strategic step in ensuring seamless service and enhancing the travel experience for visitors flying with Japan Airlines.