Is Japan Airlines Good? [2025 Guide]

Japan Airlines (JAL) is the flag carrier of Japan. From its humble beginnings as a domestic carrier in 1951, Japan Airlines has evolved into one of the world’s top-rated and safest international carriers. The airline is also recognized as a “5-Star Airline” by SKYTRAX for the past 8 consecutive years. This reflects Japan Airlines’ immense dedication to its passenger safety, fleet modernization, and adherence to maintaining international aviation protocols.

Japan Airlines has been certified by several reputed organizations responsible for conducting safety and management audits. It actively ensures compliance with the maintenance and safety-oriented rules and regulations presented by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and has also signed a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Japan Airlines at JFK and other US airports continues its safety-first operations through advanced infrastructure and TSA-regulated security. The airline is highly renowned for operating a vast number of cutting-edge aircraft. It has one of the most modern fleets in Asia. Their collection ranges from Boeing series to Airbus aircraft.

Why Do People Question Japan Airlines’ Safety?

Japan Airlines has been successfully maintaining a reliable safety record since its inception. But still, passengers are often not fully confident about the airline’s safety due to several factors, including:

• Misconceptions regarding the carrier’s technological advancement, considering its low price.
• Fewer amenities as compared to other airlines.
• Criticisms of the inefficacious Customer Service provided by the airline.

However, Japan Airlines is not questioned for its safety standards. The airline has successfully transcended the myth that low-cost carriers mean compromised safety. Passengers flying with Japan Airlines are usually disappointed with delays in their customer service, the prohibition of pet travel, and fewer amenities.

Safety is not a matter of concern for the travelers. However, the recent incidents do indicate safety risks to flyers. The airline has been actively making firm changes in its policies and protocols to eradicate such accidents in the future.

History and Incidents

Japan Airlines has been executing its operations for more than 74 years. It has not faced any fatal accidents since January 2024. However, except for this, the airline has not recorded any such incidents since 1982. The list of crashes endured is listed below:

• N93043 “Jupiter” (Mokusei-go) Crash at Mt. Mihara: In this devastating crash, all the crew members and passengers lost their lives after the flight crashed into Mt. Mihara on Izu Oshima.
• JA8012 Accident at New Delhi: A Japan Airlines flight crashed on the banks of the Yamuna River, leading to the death of 86 on board.
• JA8051 Accident at Kuala Lumpur: A Japan Airlines flight crashed during descent, killing 34 out of 79 passengers on board.
• JA8061 Accident at Haneda Airport: A Japan Airlines flight crashed during descent, killing 24 out of 174 passengers on board.
• 2024 Haneda Airport Runway Collision: This runway collision caused 5 fatalities and severe injuries to several other passengers.

Japan Airlines Safety Records

Japan Airlines (JAL) made profound updates to its safety systems after encountering various disastrous crashes. These predominantly included frequent inspections, regular maintenance checks, surprise crew assessments, and management.

After the JA8054 Accident at Anchorage Airport which was supposedly caused due to pilot’s intoxicated condition. It has made it compulsory for all pilots to go through pre-flight breathalyzer tests. They have also made their aviation rules stricter, as penalties will be quite high if any crew member or pilot violates drug and alcohol policies.

Awards and Global Recognitions

Japan Airlines has been recognized by several reputable aviation associations for taking prominent steps towards safety. The certifications include:

• Japan Airlines (JAL) holds a 5-Star Airline Rating from SKYTRAX, which represents its safety standards as well.
• Japan Airlines is a registered company that is externally audited by the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
• Received ‘Diamond Certification’ by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying.
• Received the “Best-in-Class in Safety and Well-Being” award from the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association).

These awards and recognitions again showcase Japan Airlines’ safety records and vigilant operations.

How Japan Airlines Maintains Flight Safety?

Japan Airlines follows a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS). This system comprises firm rules and regulations, timely fleet inspection and maintenance, and scrutiny of crew members.

Recruitment and Training Process of Pilots

The airline is very particular about its pilot recruitment. They select pilots only after assessing their theoretical knowledge through written exams. After which, they provide them with expertise in the following components:

• Extensive and Rigorous Training 
• Flight Operations Mastery
• Aircraft Handling
• Navigation & Meteorology
• Evacuation Procedures
• Simulator Training
• Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC)
• Mastery in Emergency Procedures
• Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork
• Have a staunch passion for aviation
• A strong sense of passenger and crew safety is inculcated in the Pilots

All the pilots who fly the aircraft for Japan Airlines have a government-authorized Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license issued by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

Cabin Crew Training Process

The airline authorities also pay great attention to the training of their flight attendants. They train their flight attendants in the following dimensions:

• Customer Service Skills
• Interpersonal Skills that can be used during times of emergencies. 
• Emergency Procedures
• Passenger Safety Management
• Expertise in Evacuation Steps

The high crew standards were implemented to demonstrate the airline’s attempts to provide a safe and seamless air experience to its passengers.

Fleet Maintenance and Aviation Protocols

Japan Airlines invests hefty amounts in the maintenance of its advanced and modern fleet. The maintenance and engineering subsidiary, JAL Engineering Co., Ltd., oversees and manages the vast fleet of more than 200 Airbus aircraft. The officers conduct regular visits to investigate the fleet and engine efficiency.  In case of any fault, quick and effective actions are also taken by the airline.

The company also actively ensures compliance with the maintenance and safety-oriented rules and regulations presented by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). The Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA), which has been signed with the FAA, allows the FAA to audit the airline and its compliance with national and international protocols whenever necessary.

Technological Tools and Applications

Japan Airlines also incorporates high-tech tools to enhance its fleet technology and operations. Some of these include:

• Advanced GPS System 
• Global Navigation Satellite System
• Galileo GDS, a Global Distribution System (GDS)
• 17+ Supercomputers are used for Weather Forecasting and Predictions, such as  Cray XC50, K computer, and so on.
• Microsoft HoLo Lens 

The pilot training, staff regulations, fleet collection, and advanced monitoring tools show Japan Airlines’ success in the aviation industry. This also indicates the airline’s inclination towards ensuring 100% safety.

This blog sums up all the necessary details and factual information essential for understanding why Japan Airlines is one of the safest international carriers. We can confidently conclude that Japan Airlines is a highly safe airline, based on its prestigious awards, effective crew management and training, modern fleet, and advanced technology.

FAQs