The ANA Group, Japan’s largest airline, was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted for more than three years. With planes unable to fly, employee salaries were cut by 30%, and bonuses were eliminated… With no work, a total of 2,300 employees, including cabin crew, were seconded to companies in other industries or local governments. It was during this pandemic that Koji Shibata became president of ANA Holdings. With the slogan “Earn even one yen!”, he pushed forward with various “non-flight” businesses.
In 2023, when restrictions on movement were lifted and passenger demand is recovering, Shibata is focusing on “non-aviation businesses” in preparation for the next crisis. What is the strategy for a counteroffensive launched by a man who has seen hell!?
