Air Japan — the ANA Group's medium-haul LCC, expanding across Southeast Asian routes.
An AirJapan captain earns an average of $132K per year, typically $120K–$151K. First officers average $85K ($72K–$98K). Figures are gross annual pay, before tax. Figures are as of March 2026.
AirJapan is a medium-haul LCC (middle-cost carrier) within the ANA Group, established in 2022. It began operations in February 2024 on the Narita↔Seoul (Incheon) and Narita↔Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) routes, and subsequently expanded to Southeast Asian routes such as Vietnam and Bangkok. Within the ANA Group it differentiates itself as a "medium-haul LCC" positioned between ANA (a full-service carrier) and Peach (a short-haul LCC).
It operates the Boeing 787-8 (Dreamliner), offering relatively comfortable seating and in-flight service despite being an LCC. Based at Narita Airport, it is a new-generation airline specializing in medium-haul international routes that complement the ANA Group network. For pilots, it is an attractive option that offers flying experience on the state-of-the-art B787 and the chance to build an international-route career.
* Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks. Verify actual compensation with each airline's official recruitment information.
| Position | Salary Range | Avg / Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain International widebody |
$120K–$151K |
$132K | Pre-tax |
| First Officer Seniority-based |
$72K–$98K |
$85K | Seniority-based |
Compensation follows ANA Group pay regulations. Bonuses are paid 2–3 times per year on the ANA Group standard, and First Officer pay includes international-route allowances. Overseas layover allowances are paid separately according to destination-city rank (Seoul, Bangkok, Hanoi, etc.). Loss-of-license insurance covering both on- and off-duty is provided. Salaries are paid in Japanese yen and are subject to Japanese income tax; any figures shown elsewhere are pre-tax.
Modeled from the captain / first-officer ranges above, sliced into standard career stages. Bands marked est. are derived from those ranges (not official); verified bands come from active-pilot data. Management pay is crowd-sourced from verified pilots.
| Career Stage | Years | Annual (pre-tax) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / Trainee | ≤2 yrs | $22K–$36K | est. |
| First Officer — Junior | 3–5 yrs | $72K–$84K | est. |
| First Officer — Mid | 6–10 yrs | $79K–$91K | est. |
| First Officer — Senior | 11–15 yrs | $86K–$98K | est. |
| Captain — New | 15–18 yrs | $120K–$134K | est. |
| Captain — Mid | 19–24 yrs | $128K–$142K | est. |
| Senior Captain | 25+ yrs | $137K–$151K | est. |
| Management / Instructor / Examiner | — | Data wanted | crowd-sourced |
Routes (as of 2026): Narita↔Seoul (Incheon) on the Korea route; Narita↔Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) on the Thailand route; and Narita↔Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh on the Vietnam routes, with a phased rollout of further Southeast Asian routes planned. As a medium-haul LCC, its operations are characterized by 5–8 hour medium-haul international flights, the B787's advanced cockpit and latest avionics, an international-only operating model based at Narita, and the ANA Group's support structure and maintenance standards.
Boeing 787-8 (Dreamliner). Based at Narita (NRT hub), the airline focuses on medium-haul international routes with a Southeast Asia emphasis — a newly launched operation that started in 2024.
Aligned with the ANA Group's unified training framework. B787 type-rating training is conducted using the same facilities and standards as ANA mainline, applying a world-class safety training program.
Type-rating training on the cutting-edge Dreamliner (B787). Pilots gain in-depth mastery of B787-specific systems such as its electrical systems, composite airframe, and latest avionics.
Covers ICAO-standard international operating procedures, operational knowledge for overseas airports, and English-language ATC communication — the skills required of an international-route pilot.
Proficiency checks once or twice a year. As a startup airline, it offers a fast-paced upgrade system and an environment in which pilots can build their careers.
Discounted ANA Group tickets for the pilot and family. Discounts are also available across Star Alliance carriers.
Layover allowances for overseas cities tied to international flying, set by city rank such as Seoul, Bangkok, and Hanoi.
Enrollment in the ANA Group health insurance society. Pilot-specific health management and loss-of-license insurance are fully provided.
Early upgrade opportunities unique to a newly established airline. Active expansion of positions is expected during the growth phase.
Childcare leave and reduced-hours work programs. Comprehensive childcare and nursing-care support based on ANA Group standards.
B787 type-rating training costs are covered by AirJapan. A cost-support program is provided for continuing training and skill development.
Hiring status: Actively hiring
As a recently launched airline, hiring volume is trending upward. Please confirm details on the ANA Group recruitment page or the official AirJapan website.
| Airline | Captain (range) | First Officer | Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirJapan 🇯🇵 | $120K–$151K | $72K–$98K | ~33% (Japan) |
| ANA 🇯🇵 | $138K–$220K | $88K–$132K | ~33% (Japan) |
| JAL 🇯🇵 | $138K–$220K | $88K–$132K | ~33% (Japan) |
* Salary figures are SSOT reference values (pre-tax unless marked tax-free). ANA / JAL shown as the Japan baseline — ~33% income tax applies in Japan, so after-tax take-home is lower than the headline. Tax-free carriers pay 100% take-home. Verify exact figures with each airline.
AirJapan captain pay averages about $132K per year (range $120K–$151K), pre-tax. Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks.
AirJapan first officer pay averages about $85K per year (range $72K–$98K), pre-tax, rising with seniority — see the Career Ladder above for the year-by-year breakdown.
AirJapan Pilot Recruitment — First Officer (F/O) / Captain — B787-experienced or intra-ANA-Group transfer. Key requirements — Eligibility: Holder of an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), or an intra-ANA-Group transfer; Base: Narita International Airport (Chiba); English: Aviation English Proficiency certificate Level 4+ (Level 5 recommended for international routes). As a recently launched airline, hiring volume is trending upward. Please confirm details on the ANA Group recruitment page or the official AirJapan website.
AirJapan captains average $132K, versus roughly $170K at ANA / JAL. Both figures are pre-tax; Japan applies ~33% income tax.
Dividing the annual average by 12, AirJapan captains earn about $11K a month and first officers about $7.1K. What actually lands each month moves with block hours flown, and where an annual bonus is paid the regular monthly figure sits lower with a spike in the bonus month.
AirJapan first officers average $85K and captains $132K — a step of about $47K, or roughly 1.6×. The full range runs $72K to $151K, and where you sit inside it is set by seniority, type rating and the routes you fly. The seniority table on this page breaks the same range into career stages.
Every figure on this page is gross, before income tax. Captains average $132K and first officers $85K pre-tax, and income tax, social insurance and any local levies come out of that. Take-home depends on where you are resident and on your own deductions, so no single percentage applies. Airlines based in countries with no personal income tax — the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia — leave more of the same gross figure in your hand.
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Pilot salary in Japan 26 airlines · captain avg $116K