JAL/ANA other Japanese Airlines

[SpaceShipOne]

I was just curious if anyone knew how the Japanese airlines hire their pilots. I know they hire expats with a lot of experience through contracting agencies. But, what about the Japanese nationals? I was just curious if anyone knew what the process is like in Japan. Do they have a cadet program like Cathay Pacific? or is it somewhat similar to that in the US i.e. pay for your own rating, CFI, commuters then ANA/JAL?

 

[jml2992]

They have a very lengthy and complicated application process and then they hire zero time guys from Japan, make them work for ANA on the ground for a year in some capacity, pack them up, and then send them over here to learn to fly. There is a company that hires contract Expat pilots called Air Hawaii (I believe) to fly for one of the subsidiary airlines but I don't know how that has been affected by some of the realignment that ANA has announced in the last couple of months.

 

[ScoutFlyer]

Tokai University in Tokyo also has a study abroad aviation program. The students take some aviation courses in Tokyo, then study abroad in the U.S.A to get their certificates. Wikipedia says that the program is in association with ANA, but I do not believe the students are hired by ANA until after they graduate and earn their ratings. Even then, I do not believe they are guaranteed an interview or anything with an airline.