Air Japan is recruiting Boeing 787 First Officers who do not yet hold an ATPL. If you hold a CPL with all ATPL theory subjects completed and meet the experience requirements below, you can apply now. Air Japan is one of the very few contract airlines that offers command upgrades to their First Officers.
About Longreach
Longreach is owned by two Japanese ATPL holders: one a former A320 Captain with a Japanese LCC and the other a former 767 Captain with Air Japan. We know the Air Japan recruitment process first-hand, having been involved since 2015 in supporting selection, interview preparation and induction into Japanese aviation. We support our client pilots through the Japanese ATPL process and initial type rating, and our own experience on multiple training courses with Japanese airlines means we can offer a uniquely informed, high-quality service. We provide through-life support to all our pilots.
If you’re flying for an Australian regional jet operator or LCC now, talk to us early. We’ll look at your experience against Air Japan’s requirements, tell you honestly where you stand, and help you work out what you still need, whether that’s PIC/PUS hours, jet time or your ATPL subjects.
The contract
- Five-year contract, extensions available to age 65
- Operating base at Narita and Haneda airports, Japan
- Type rated and non-type rated pilots accepted
- Command upgrades available
Roster and time off
- Up to 14 days off per month, including a minimum of 8 consecutive days
- 24 vacation days per year
- Sick leave at one day per two months worked, to a maximum of 12 days
Package
- US$2,000 per month commuting allowance to Tokyo
- Contract completion bonus of US$18,000 based on five years service
- Worldwide medical insurance, including US health coverage for US citizens
- Staff travel on Star Alliance partner airlines
See the full Air Japan salary chart (April 2026 pay scales)
Minimum requirements
These requirements are set by Air Japan and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and cannot be waived. Air Japan recruits on a rolling basis, so if you don’t meet them yet, please register your interest once you do.
- Valid ICAO CPL with all ATPL theory subjects completed
- Valid ICAO jet aircraft type rating with instrument rating
- Valid ICAO Class 1 medical certificate
- ICAO English Level 4 or higher
- More than 3,000 hours total flight time
- More than 500 hours commercial jet time
- PIC/PUS (JCAB requirement) — one of: more than 250 hours PIC; or more than 500 hours PUS; or 180 hours PIC/PUS including 70 hours PIC
- More than 200 hours cross country
- More than 100 hours cross country PIC/PUS
- More than 75 hours instrument flight
- More than 100 hours night flight
How to apply
Register with Longreach Aviation using our online registration form. We will then send you the Air Japan application form and guide you through the process.