ANA
Japan's ANA plans to cut 3,500 jobs in three years amid the pandemic. Credit: Christian Junker | Photography via flickr.

Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) Holdings is reportedly considering reducing its workforce by 3,500 employees in the next three years.

Reuters reported citing the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri that the decision is part of the company’s business restructuring plan to cut fixed costs as low travel demand is expected to continue due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

ANA had a workforce of 43,500 as of last year.

In a separate development, ANA has reached an agreement to attain sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel producer Neste.

With this agreement, ANA will be the first airline to operate SAF-fuelled flights from Japan.

ANA executive vice-president Yutaka Ito said: ”ANA takes pride in its leadership role and has been recognised as an industry leader in sustainability, and this agreement with Neste further demonstrates our ability to serve passengers while also reducing our carbon footprint.

“While Covid-19 has forced us to make adjustments, we remain committed to meeting our sustainability goals.

“We are also pleased to report that according to the ISCC Proof of Sustainability certification the Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel supplied in Tokyo provides approximately 90% greenhouse gas emission reduction through its lifecycle and in its neat form compared to fossil jet fuels.”

Along with Japan Airlines (JAL), the carrier is also introducing new measures to make sure all passengers experience a safe and accessible journey amid the pandemic.