Japan Airlines appoints former flight attendant as first female president

In a groundbreaking move, Japan Airlines has announced the appointment of Mitsuko Tottori as its next president, marking a historic moment as the first woman to hold this prestigious position within a major Japanese and global airline.

Tottori, who began her career as a flight attendant in 1985. Expressing her aspirations for the future, Tottori stated that she hopes her elevation will empower and encourage other women to pursue higher levels of leadership in their professional journeys. This appointment is a notable step forward, considering the limited presence of women in senior executive roles across major airlines worldwide.

Scheduled to take on her new role on April 1, Tottori will succeed Yuji Akasaka as president, while Akasaka is set to become the chairman, the highest-ranking position within the airline. These leadership changes come in the aftermath of a recent incident where a Japan Airlines plane collided with a smaller coastguard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Despite the crash, a successful evacuation ensured the safety of all 379 passengers and crew on board the jet, although five crew members from the coastguard plane tragically lost their lives.

Addressing her background and experience, Tottori emphasized her extensive career focused on safety and customer services, particularly in her role within the flight attendants’ division.

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