Japan Airlines vs All Nippon Airways (ANA)
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Japan Airlines (JL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) (NH) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Airline selection starts with an aptitude battery
It screens you before a human reads your application. Sit a timed practice paper free — scored on pace, which is what actually culls candidates.
Knowing what Japan Airlines pays is the easy part. Getting through their selection is the part that decides whether you ever earn it.
Before a human reads your application there is an aptitude battery, and candidates consistently report it as the heaviest cull — pace, not difficulty. You can practise it here for free: timed papers generated fresh each run, plus a divided-attention drill that measures how much your performance degrades under load.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Requirements Comparison
Japan Airlines
- JCAB ATPL or ICAO equivalent
- Class 1 medical
- Japanese language required for domestic operations
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- JCAB ATPL or ICAO equivalent
- Class 1 medical
- Japanese language proficiency
Pros & Cons
Japan Airlines
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –Local language proficiency preferred
About Each Airline
Japan Airlines
Japan's prestigious flag carrier is known for exceptional service standards and modern fleet operations.
Full Japan Airlines career guide →All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Japan's largest airline by revenue and fleet size, ANA is a Star Alliance member with growing international operations.
Full All Nippon Airways (ANA) career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Japan Airlines or All Nippon Airways (ANA) based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator