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If you are hoping to apply for JAL & ANA jobs in 2026, the most useful thing you can do right now is get your paperwork, test scores and timeline in order. Japan Airlines and ANA recruit through fixed annual cycles, and the applicants who move fastest are usually the ones who prepared before the application window opened. This alert works as a preparation checklist for freshers, career changers and graduates interested in cabin crew, ground staff, ramp and maintenance roles at Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport.
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Hiring is spread across the two airline groups rather than the parent airlines alone. JAL itself recruits cabin crew, while JAL Sky recruits ground staff and station operations staff, JAL Ground Service recruits ramp and ground handling staff, JAL Engineering recruits maintenance staff, and JAL Cargo Service handles air cargo at Narita. On the ANA side, ANA recruits cabin crew, ANA Airport Services recruits at Haneda, ANA Narita Airport Services recruits at Narita, and maintenance companies such as ANA Line Maintenance Technics and ANA Base Maintenance Technics recruit jointly under e.TEAM ANA. These group companies recruit such roles on a recurring basis; this article does not claim any specific vacancy is currently open.
For foreign applicants, ramp, baggage, cabin-cleaning and some maintenance positions in these groups may potentially fit the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Aviation field, depending on exact duties and occupational classification. Cabin crew is not an SSW occupation, so that path works very differently and is explained separately below.
JAL & ANA Jobs 2026 – Quick Overview
| Job Title | Cabin Crew, Ground Staff, Baggage Handler / Ramp Agent, Aircraft Maintenance Technician |
| Country | Japan |
| Location | Haneda Airport (Tokyo) and Narita International Airport (Chiba) |
| Employers (examples) | JAL, JAL Sky, JAL Ground Service, JAL Engineering, ANA, ANA Airport Services, ANA Narita Airport Services, ANA Line Maintenance Technics |
| Industry | Airlines and airline group services |
| Indicative Salary | About ¥200,000 – ¥283,000 per month, depending on role and allowances |
| Experienced Salary | Government wage data shows cabin crew across all ages averaging about ¥405,000 per month plus bonus, and aircraft maintenance staff averaging about ¥5.98 million a year |
| Education | Vocational school, junior college, technical college, university or graduate school for many new-graduate intakes |
| Experience | New-graduate and experienced tracks both exist |
| Japanese | Strong Japanese for cabin crew and ground staff; working Japanese for ramp roles |
| Work Type | Mostly full-time; some contract roles |
| Work Schedule | Rosters and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays |
| Accommodation | Varies by company; some housing support may be offered |
| Overtime | Possible during irregular operations and busy seasons |
What Does a JAL & ANA Group Employee Do?
JAL and ANA group employees deliver every part of a flight, from the check-in desk and the ramp to the hangar and the cabin.
- Delivers safety demonstrations and in-flight service as cabin crew.
- Manages emergency equipment checks before each flight.
- Looks after passengers needing special assistance onboard.
- Handles check-in, seat changes and baggage acceptance as ground staff.
- Runs boarding at the gate and coordinates with the flight crew.
- Rebooks passengers during delays or cancellations.
- Loads and unloads baggage and cargo containers on the ramp.
- Guides and tows aircraft under supervision and training.
- Cleans cabins and washes aircraft exteriors in ground-handling roles.
- Inspects aircraft between flights as part of line maintenance.
- Assists with scheduled checks in a maintenance hangar.
- Coordinates timings through station operations and ramp control.
- Records work accurately in manuals, checklists and systems.
- Follows strict aviation safety and security procedures.
Types of JAL & ANA Jobs
JAL Cabin Crew
JAL hires cabin crew (客室乗務職) through new-graduate and career recruitment. Japan-based crew are regular employees based near Haneda or Narita.
ANA Cabin Crew
ANA’s new-graduate cabin crew are based at Haneda. ANA also runs experienced-hire rounds for crew who already have relevant work history.
Ground Staff
Ground staff are hired by JAL Sky, ANA Airport Services and ANA Narita Airport Services. JAL Sky’s FY2027 plan was about 150 Main Base and about 10 Global Field hires.
Baggage Handler / Ramp Agent
JAL Ground Service and the ANA airport companies employ ramp teams for loading, towing and cleaning. ANA Narita Airport Services planned about 30 ground-handling hires for FY2027.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician
JAL Engineering and the e.TEAM ANA maintenance companies recruit technicians who train toward licences. e.TEAM ANA recommends an English level of about TOEIC 450.
Station Operations and Cargo
Operations management roles exist at the ANA airport companies, and JAL Cargo Service works in cargo handling at Narita.
JAL & ANA Jobs Salary 2026
| Position | Indicative Monthly Salary |
| JAL Cabin Crew | About ¥271,000 (base ¥221,000 + about ¥50,000 flight allowance) |
| ANA Cabin Crew | About ¥283,000 for a bachelor’s graduate (base ¥232,901 + about ¥50,000 flight allowance) |
| Ground Staff | ¥211,000 – ¥243,000 |
| Baggage Handler / Ramp Agent | ¥200,000 – ¥265,000 |
| Aircraft Maintenance Technician (entry) | ¥220,000 – ¥270,000 |
Pay changes with the employer, the shift pattern, flight hours, allowances and overtime, and cabin crew flight allowances depend on hours actually flown. All figures are indicative starting levels and are not guaranteed.
JAL & ANA Jobs for Foreign Workers
Inside the airline groups, the Specified Skilled Worker Aviation field covers two areas: airport ground handling (ramp, cargo and baggage handling, cabin cleaning and guidance) and aircraft maintenance. JAL Ground Service started SSW hiring in FY2023, and JAL had 111 SSW workers at the start of FY2024. ANA group companies have also recruited foreign talent, including from South Korea, although reports do not confirm the exact visa route.
Cabin crew is different. JAL and ANA Japan-based crew requirements found in official recruitment information do not state a nationality rule, but applicants must live within commuting range of Haneda or Narita (ANA says within two hours by public transport), and in practice a visa that allows regular employment in Japan is needed. JAL also hires cabin crew locally at eight overseas bases, including Bangkok, Singapore, Manila and London; its first Manila intake of 20 people joined in January 2025 from about 1,000 applicants.
Ground staff jobs at the passenger counter usually need strong Japanese and are not part of the SSW ground-handling scope, so foreign applicants should not assume every vacancy qualifies.
Japanese Language Requirement
Language preparation is the item on this checklist that takes the longest, so start early.
- Cabin crew (Japan-based): fluent Japanese for safety announcements and service.
- Cabin crew English: JAL lists TOEIC 600+ (or GTEC LR 260+) as desirable for new graduates; ANA lists about TOEIC 600 or GTEC Business about 260 as desirable.
- Ground staff: high-level spoken Japanese and polite business language.
- Ramp and cleaning teams: enough Japanese to follow safety instructions clearly.
- Maintenance: Japanese for manuals and teamwork, with English helpful for technical documents.
For SSW(i) in aviation, the Japanese requirement is JFT-Basic at A2 level or above, or JLPT N4 or above, with an exemption for those who completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in the field in good standing.
Eligibility
- Cabin crew new graduates (JAL): graduates of vocational school, junior college, technical college, university or graduate school are eligible.
- Cabin crew (ANA): must be able to commute to Haneda within about two hours by public transport.
- Cabin crew English: TOEIC around 600 is listed as desirable, and JAL’s FY2027 terms may require a TOEIC L&R score at entry.
- Ground and ramp roles: willingness to work rotating shifts.
- Physical readiness for outdoor and active work in ramp roles.
- Legal permission to work in Japan in the specific role.
- SSW applicants: a pass in the aviation skills test for the right sub-area plus a Japanese test.
Education Qualification
New-graduate cabin crew and ground staff programmes generally recruit students finishing a vocational school, junior college, technical college or university. Ramp and maintenance tracks can also take applicants from technical backgrounds.
- Graduation certificate or expected graduation proof for new-graduate tracks.
- Technical or engineering study is useful for maintenance roles.
- Aviation or tourism courses help but are not usually mandatory.
- Transcripts may be requested during selection.
Daily Work of a JAL & ANA Group Employee
- Check your roster and report at the assigned time.
- Pass the staff security check and get into uniform.
- Join a pre-shift or pre-flight briefing.
- Review flight details, passenger notes or task cards.
- Check equipment, emergency kit or tools.
- Handle passengers, aircraft or baggage on the assigned flights.
- Communicate with other teams to keep departures on time.
- Deal with any delays, special requests or irregular operations.
- Complete records and reports for your tasks.
- Hand over to the next team or attend a debrief.
Every step follows airline safety rules, and staff are trained to stop and report anything unsafe.
Working Hours
- Cabin crew follow monthly flight rosters that include overnight trips.
- Ground staff and ramp teams work rotating early and late shifts.
- Maintenance staff may work night shifts while aircraft are on the ground.
- Weekends and holidays are normal working days in aviation.
- Days off are planned through the roster system.
Airline schedules start early in the morning and finish late at night, so flexible availability is part of almost every role.
Accommodation
- Some group companies offer housing support or company housing.
- Cabin crew must live within commuting range of their base airport.
- Commuting allowances usually cover train or bus fares.
- SSW workers are typically given housing support arranged by the employer.
Ask whether housing costs are deducted from your monthly pay before you accept an offer.
Benefits
- Social insurance coverage for full-time employees.
- Flight allowances for cabin crew based on hours flown.
- Shift, night and overtime allowances for ground roles.
- Structured training programmes for new employees.
- Paid leave under Japanese labour law.
- Possible staff travel benefits, depending on company rules.
- Uniform and safety equipment provided.
Benefits differ between group companies and contract types, so check your written terms.
Career Growth
Trainee → Team Member → Senior / Lead → Supervisor
- Cabin crew can progress to senior crew and purser-type positions over time.
- Ground staff can move into operations, training or office roles.
- JAL and ANA mutually recognise ramp-handling qualifications at 10 airports from April 2024, which helps ramp staff build transferable skills.
- SSW(ii) is available in ground handling and maintenance for workers with the required test or qualification and experience.
- Maintenance technicians can work toward aviation licences and specialist roles.
Skills That Can Improve Your Chances
- A recent TOEIC score, especially for cabin crew applications.
- JLPT or JFT-Basic certificates for foreign applicants.
- Customer service experience in hotels, restaurants or retail.
- Calm decision-making under time pressure.
- Teamwork across different departments.
- Basic mechanical knowledge for maintenance roles.
- Physical fitness for ramp and cabin duties.
- Clear, polite communication in Japanese.
- Willingness to work irregular hours.
Documents Required
- Application form or entry sheet through the official recruit site.
- Photo that meets the company’s guidelines.
- Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate.
- Academic transcripts, if requested.
- TOEIC or GTEC score report.
- JLPT or JFT-Basic certificate, for non-native speakers.
- SSW aviation test pass certificate, for SSW applicants.
- Passport and residence card, if applicable.
Required documents vary by company, job type and recruitment track.
How to Apply Online
Step 1: Prepare Your CV
Draft your entry sheet answers and CV early, because airline application windows can be short.
Step 2: Describe Your Skills
Give real examples of service, teamwork and handling pressure rather than general claims.
Step 3: Gather Certificates
Book your TOEIC or Japanese test well in advance so the score is ready before the deadline.
Step 4: Check the Job Category
Choose the correct track, such as new-graduate, experienced or SSW, on the JAL Group recruitment site (job-jal.com), the ANA recruit pages or e.TEAM ANA.
Step 5: Complete Required Tests
Expect web aptitude tests for airline tracks, while SSW applicants take the aviation skills test organised by the Japan Aviation Technical Association.
Step 6: Attend the Interview
Prepare for group and individual interviews, and for cabin crew, be ready to speak in both Japanese and English.
Step 7: Review the Contract
Check the start date, base pay, allowances, base airport and probation rules before accepting.
Step 8: Complete Immigration Procedures
If you need a visa, the employer generally supports the Certificate of Eligibility application before your visa interview.
JAL & ANA Jobs 2026 – FAQs
When do JAL and ANA cabin crew applications usually open?
In recent cycles, ANA’s new-graduate recruitment opened on March 1, 2025, and JAL’s career recruitment ran from February 10 to March 19, 2025, so early spring is worth watching.
How many cabin crew do JAL and ANA plan to hire?
Plans have been falling: JAL expected about 300 new graduates for 2027, and ANA about 400 for April 2027 entry.
Is TOEIC compulsory for cabin crew?
Both airlines describe a score around 600 as desirable, and JAL’s FY2027 terms may require a TOEIC L&R score at entry.
Can I become JAL or ANA cabin crew through SSW?
No. SSW Aviation covers ground handling and maintenance only, not cabin crew.
Is this a guaranteed job offer?
No. This alert helps you prepare, and every hiring decision is made by the company through its own selection.
Does this website accept applications?
No. Submit applications only through the official JAL or ANA group recruitment channels.
Someone is offering a JAL or ANA job for a fee. Is it safe?
Do not pay unlicensed agents or individuals who promise an airline job or visa; use official channels only.
What is the SSW(i) aviation acceptance limit?
The Ministry of Justice set a cap of 4,900 people through the end of March 2029.
Final Words
JAL and ANA group companies recruit every year, but windows can close quickly and test scores take time to earn. Use this checklist to get your documents, Japanese level, TOEIC score and track choice ready now, then watch the official recruit pages and submit as soon as the right opening appears.
Disclaimer: All salary figures mentioned in this article are indicative estimates based on general industry patterns and may vary by employer, location, experience, and contract terms. They do not represent a guaranteed salary, job offer, or visa approval. This website is not affiliated with Japan Airlines or ANA.