Air Japan (AJX) B767
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Over the Pacific mostly
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Sometimes you have to wonder where would this company be without some of you guys superior certification and experience shooting VOR approaches into some one runway regional airport, the emperor himself should honor you while the rest of us gather around chanting "We are not worthy"
Great first post compadre, I look forward to an endless stream of entertainment coming from ya!
Great first post compadre, I look forward to an endless stream of entertainment coming from ya!
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: 日本
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Got to agree, TD; Mr Jardini's post was one of the most amusing I've read in some time. Even though a good deal of us have JAR ATPLs, I still think we are not worthy. Likewise, even though many of us have flown from the most dodgy airfields in PNG, Africa, South America etc and have taken 737s and 757s into 1400/1500m airports, we definitely are not up to handling the dreaded 1830m of BFS, nor the lack of terrain and excellent European ATC system that exists on most of Ryanair's route structure.
He's right, though, the Japanese should be bowing and scraping before us (especially if you've managed to squeeze into St Etienne, at only 2300m long). In fact, there should be no selection procedure at all. Instead they should re-write their requirements and offer immediate employment on a new 'special pilot' payscale. This will, however, only be available to those for whom the Japanese should be especially grateful i.e. the chosen few who can handle the beast that is the 737 and who are able to employ their superior piloting skills to land and pull the thing up in only the 2255m available at La Rochelle.
Yep, I feel pretty stupid now, having undergone the normal selection process and training that all my colleagues have done. I should have realised the Japanese should have rolled out the 'red carpet' for me. I'll ask our ex-Ryanair pilots if RYR did the same for them because it certainly sounds like the modus operandi from Mr Jardini's employer
He's right, though, the Japanese should be bowing and scraping before us (especially if you've managed to squeeze into St Etienne, at only 2300m long). In fact, there should be no selection procedure at all. Instead they should re-write their requirements and offer immediate employment on a new 'special pilot' payscale. This will, however, only be available to those for whom the Japanese should be especially grateful i.e. the chosen few who can handle the beast that is the 737 and who are able to employ their superior piloting skills to land and pull the thing up in only the 2255m available at La Rochelle.
Yep, I feel pretty stupid now, having undergone the normal selection process and training that all my colleagues have done. I should have realised the Japanese should have rolled out the 'red carpet' for me. I'll ask our ex-Ryanair pilots if RYR did the same for them because it certainly sounds like the modus operandi from Mr Jardini's employer
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Over the Pacific mostly
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The freighter ops (about 85 percent of your monthly roster) Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Taipei, Sanghai, that is from Narita, Haneda and Kansai, it usually includes a 2 to 4 hour sit on the sorting station in Okinawa. The layover is usually from 12 or 24 hours depending on the trip, the passenger operation is those destinations above plus Honolulu, Vietnam and Singapore with the same layover time, lately they have been mixing cargo and passenger trips where you do one sector going out on a cargo trip and you will be bringing back a passenger flight. Constant changes from day trips to night trips with only 24 hours in between
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: over 'ere
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We don't do "night stops"..we fly all night ( interrupted by a couple of restfull hours in the Naha cell bloke) and then ,according to the Japanese, we are able to get 9 hours of sleep in the middle of the day at some crap, noisy hotel somewhere. We then sign on again at 2200 and do it all again..for 4 f@#$%g nights in a row. Yea, life's a gem here!
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Will the pilots working for ANA's subsidiaries have a chanche to get in the main company All Nippon Airways after the experience in the subsidiary they have been working at?
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Will the pilots working for ANA's subsidiaries have a chanche to get in the main company All Nippon Airways after the experience in the subsidiary they have been working at?
I'm just curios, that's it!
I'm just curios, that's it!
Join Date: Nov 2008
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The short answer is no. AJX pilots are employed by a contract agency and not by ANA itself. Yes, we've done their training courses and have the same qualifications as the mainline pilots but there would be a host of challenges to overcome, not least the alien registration bureaucracy versus right to live and work in Japan, ANA union, residency etc etc. It would all be far too difficult for the Japanese and, speaking for myself, I wouldn't bother. Working in Japan is one thing but living AND working there would be quite another 
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But in the case that an expat pilot gets married to a japanese woman and obtain the residence, may he have any chanche?
I'd like to repeat that I'm just curios - I don't even have a PPL at the moment.
I'd like to repeat that I'm just curios - I don't even have a PPL at the moment.
Join Date: Aug 2004
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No chance at all
ANA as well as Japan Airlines hire only cadets that they train from the beginning
Even if you are Japanese and you did your training in America (exemple) and you have 3000 hours ,ANA and Japan Airlines WILL not hire you
As a Japanese in that case you may be hired by Skymark. Air Do, Skynet ect ect
ANA as well as Japan Airlines hire only cadets that they train from the beginning
Even if you are Japanese and you did your training in America (exemple) and you have 3000 hours ,ANA and Japan Airlines WILL not hire you
As a Japanese in that case you may be hired by Skymark. Air Do, Skynet ect ect
Join Date: Jun 2011
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No chance at all
ANA as well as Japan Airlines hire only cadets that they train from the beginning
Even if you are Japanese and you did your training in America (exemple) and you have 3000 hours ,ANA and Japan Airlines WILL not hire you
As a Japanese in that case you may be hired by Skymark. Air Do, Skynet ect ect
ANA as well as Japan Airlines hire only cadets that they train from the beginning
Even if you are Japanese and you did your training in America (exemple) and you have 3000 hours ,ANA and Japan Airlines WILL not hire you
As a Japanese in that case you may be hired by Skymark. Air Do, Skynet ect ect
But it's true, as it is right now, no chance.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hong Kong
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I have been looking at this gig for years now and frankly some of you are acting like spoiled little brats.
I know what it is like to have your contract changed and for conditions to erode. This seems the trend in Aviation over the last 10 years. I GET IT, because I have lived and worked in Asia for years and they try this crap here. Those amongst you who are acting like little babies need to wake up and smell the roses. There are not many jobs in aviation as good as this.
YES you can earn more money in China or maybe India, or if your lucky enough to have been hired by a major or work for Cathay or Dragonair on their A or B scale. But if you looking for a reasonable paying job with nearly 2 weeks each month in your home country almost anywhere in the world with a business class commute PAID FOR BY THE COMPANY; then I challenge you to find a better contract. Then post your results here for all to see.
I do not believe there is a commuting contract anywhere in the world that has this good balance of pay/commute/conditions/country(Japan). If there is I would like to know about it. If there was the whinging skygods on this thread would have used their superior skills and moved on.
Most of us here could live in India or Indonesia or China and earn 16-18K a month and commute 6 weeks on on 2 off, or similar, but we choose not to and there is a reason for that. Those countries or companies are terrible to work for. Either maintenance, contract changes whenever they please, smoking in the cockpit, them holding your passport so you cant leave the country on days off, pay-cuts of up to 30% when a financial crisis hits and you can take it or leave it, inexperienced and poorly trained F/O's trying to kill you every chance they get (or writing reports to the Chief Pilot buddy to get you fired), not to mention some companies total disregard for duty-time and flight time limitations; and the endless list of other crap that goes on.
If your main gripe is fatigue, quit and get a job in your home country flying a job that gets you home every night for supper. Don't like the Asian mentality?...then leave. This is their train set, and generally they cant "think outside the box" like us. You can not dictate to them. Supply and demand. You hate the place so much... Leave. Go to the "grass is greener" job you seem to think exists.
As I said grow up first, and then smell the roses.
Thank you to all for the information, it is much appreciated by all.
p.s I'm not interested in any free "spell or grammar check" from the Legendary Spelling Police. So don't waste your time correcting my intentional errors. :-)
I know what it is like to have your contract changed and for conditions to erode. This seems the trend in Aviation over the last 10 years. I GET IT, because I have lived and worked in Asia for years and they try this crap here. Those amongst you who are acting like little babies need to wake up and smell the roses. There are not many jobs in aviation as good as this.
YES you can earn more money in China or maybe India, or if your lucky enough to have been hired by a major or work for Cathay or Dragonair on their A or B scale. But if you looking for a reasonable paying job with nearly 2 weeks each month in your home country almost anywhere in the world with a business class commute PAID FOR BY THE COMPANY; then I challenge you to find a better contract. Then post your results here for all to see.
I do not believe there is a commuting contract anywhere in the world that has this good balance of pay/commute/conditions/country(Japan). If there is I would like to know about it. If there was the whinging skygods on this thread would have used their superior skills and moved on.
Most of us here could live in India or Indonesia or China and earn 16-18K a month and commute 6 weeks on on 2 off, or similar, but we choose not to and there is a reason for that. Those countries or companies are terrible to work for. Either maintenance, contract changes whenever they please, smoking in the cockpit, them holding your passport so you cant leave the country on days off, pay-cuts of up to 30% when a financial crisis hits and you can take it or leave it, inexperienced and poorly trained F/O's trying to kill you every chance they get (or writing reports to the Chief Pilot buddy to get you fired), not to mention some companies total disregard for duty-time and flight time limitations; and the endless list of other crap that goes on.
If your main gripe is fatigue, quit and get a job in your home country flying a job that gets you home every night for supper. Don't like the Asian mentality?...then leave. This is their train set, and generally they cant "think outside the box" like us. You can not dictate to them. Supply and demand. You hate the place so much... Leave. Go to the "grass is greener" job you seem to think exists.
As I said grow up first, and then smell the roses.
Thank you to all for the information, it is much appreciated by all.
p.s I'm not interested in any free "spell or grammar check" from the Legendary Spelling Police. So don't waste your time correcting my intentional errors. :-)
Last edited by cxa340so; 25th Jan 2012 at 02:29.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Tokyo
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I accept all the points in the previous post, they are concise and relevant. Our worldly colleague makes points about supply and demand.
My only answer is; why are AJX losing more than they can recruit? Why are pilots walking out on a daily basis? If our esteemed colleague thinks it's so good, come on over! I would love to read his spin on asian culture after a few months. Anyone who is prepared to lump the asian cultures together doesn't know a lot about Japan. As I have said in previous posts; come on over, but bring a lifesaver.
Gambate de kudasai
My only answer is; why are AJX losing more than they can recruit? Why are pilots walking out on a daily basis? If our esteemed colleague thinks it's so good, come on over! I would love to read his spin on asian culture after a few months. Anyone who is prepared to lump the asian cultures together doesn't know a lot about Japan. As I have said in previous posts; come on over, but bring a lifesaver.
Gambate de kudasai
Last edited by meguro; 24th Jan 2012 at 11:34.
Join Date: Jan 2012
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So.. I've been lurking around this thread for quite some time now. And despite the last few pages reporting deteriorating conditions I still think this job sounds pretty good. This still after reading a post with the words "Air Japan sucks" printed in over-sized capital letters 
So... am I completely wrong? Missing something? Have I lost my bearings because I'm on my tenth year flying for an un-named major European low-cost carrier operating 737-800s? (okay, take a guess which one...)
All my friends leave for operators in the Middle East but that lifestyle (ME society and roster) doesn't appeal to me.
Any advice? Could someone please point out exactly what makes people leave Air Japan now. (and what place better are they going?) It's not entirely clear.
I've got my application ready....
Thanks!
So... am I completely wrong? Missing something? Have I lost my bearings because I'm on my tenth year flying for an un-named major European low-cost carrier operating 737-800s? (okay, take a guess which one...)
All my friends leave for operators in the Middle East but that lifestyle (ME society and roster) doesn't appeal to me.
Any advice? Could someone please point out exactly what makes people leave Air Japan now. (and what place better are they going?) It's not entirely clear.
I've got my application ready....
Thanks!
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Japan
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I have been here from the start-up of Air Japan. Here is my take:
1. Various management decisions have been unpopular such as changing the contract conditions during the contract.
2. However they always seem to add another extra onto the allowances a little later which covers the earlier loss.
3. My overall pay has gone up each year I have been here.
4. The main gripe is the roster; but some months mine is ok some months it is not. Overall it's ok.
5. Sometimes one gets a sequence that is tiring, with back to back nights. However it only happens every couple of months for a few days in a row.
6. Business class confirmed travel home is terrific. This was bought in, not at the end of contracts, but during the contracts. It is very, very generous.
7. For First Officers the chance to upgrade to a widebody command within 3-4 years is unheard of in the contract world. Yes some don't make it; but some don't make it in all airlines.
8. Initial training is long taking 6-7 months. Everyone knows this before coming. If you have a problem with that, don't apply.
9. There is no perfect flying job out there; they all have their plus and minus points. Here I think the plus points outweigh the couple of negative points. It's up to all adults to make their own decision before coming here.
10. I have had some bad days but many more good days; and I am still here after +10 years.
1. Various management decisions have been unpopular such as changing the contract conditions during the contract.
2. However they always seem to add another extra onto the allowances a little later which covers the earlier loss.
3. My overall pay has gone up each year I have been here.
4. The main gripe is the roster; but some months mine is ok some months it is not. Overall it's ok.
5. Sometimes one gets a sequence that is tiring, with back to back nights. However it only happens every couple of months for a few days in a row.
6. Business class confirmed travel home is terrific. This was bought in, not at the end of contracts, but during the contracts. It is very, very generous.
7. For First Officers the chance to upgrade to a widebody command within 3-4 years is unheard of in the contract world. Yes some don't make it; but some don't make it in all airlines.
8. Initial training is long taking 6-7 months. Everyone knows this before coming. If you have a problem with that, don't apply.
9. There is no perfect flying job out there; they all have their plus and minus points. Here I think the plus points outweigh the couple of negative points. It's up to all adults to make their own decision before coming here.
10. I have had some bad days but many more good days; and I am still here after +10 years.
Join Date: Oct 2006
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supply and demand.
My only answer is; why are AJX losing more than they can recruit? Why are pilots walking out on a daily basis?
My only answer is; why are AJX losing more than they can recruit? Why are pilots walking out on a daily basis?
Anyone who is prepared to lump the asian cultures together doesn't know a lot about Japan.
Nothings perfect in Aviation any more, either make the most out of a bad situation or keep chasing rainbows your whole life. I see no one has come up with the name of a better contract than this yet???
Join Date: Jul 2007
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There is reference to a confirmed Business class commute - I thought it was simply a 2000 a month allowance being offered.
Has this changed - I am referring to the current PARC contract.
Regards
WJP
Has this changed - I am referring to the current PARC contract.
Regards
WJP
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Got it - I see the reference to the c fare now.
Much appreciated.
Any Canadians online doing this contract and commuting from Canada.
Would be interested in the tax info your dealing with.
WJP
Much appreciated.
Any Canadians online doing this contract and commuting from Canada.
Would be interested in the tax info your dealing with.
WJP