Japan Airlines s further strengthening its American Region sales efforts with the appointment of a travel industry veteran.

Steve S. Smith joins the airline in a newly established position of Vice President Passenger Sales - The Americas, and will be responsible for Asian-bound sales originating from North and South America.  Mr. Smith will focus on working with top travel management companies and corporations to expand and improve the carrier’s share of passenger revenue to Japan, China and throughout S.E. Asia.

With a 25-year career in the industry, Mr. Smith offers extensive experience in both sales and marketing.  Formerly with Delta Air Lines, he has lead sales teams in several major U.S. markets including Houston, Dallas/Ft. Worth and New York City.  In 1997, Mr. Smith was promoted to Director of Sales for Delta’s international efforts and while based in the airline’s regional office in London, he oversaw staff in 40 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.  In 2001, he was promoted to Delta’s Atlanta Headquarters as Managing Director of Worldwide Sales, where he was responsible for all field sales efforts.  In 2003, he assumed responsibility for all corporate revenues produced worldwide.

John P. McGhee, having played a crucial role for Japan Airlines over the last nine years in the area of corporate sales, will be taking a more defined position for the company as Vice President Global Accounts.  In his new responsibility,
Mr. McGhee will be more actively working with Senior Management in setting the company’s course for new business development.

Mr. Kiyoto Morioka, Vice President Passenger Marketing - The Americas and concurrently the department’s head said, “Japan Airlines is pleased that our sales structure, which was solidified under the leadership of Mr. McGhee, will be further enhanced with the addition of Mr. Smith.  Mr. Smith brings with him a vast knowledge of the industry and we’re pleased to welcome him to the JAL team.”

“The department’s restructuring also ensures that our region will be ready to offer maximum benefits to our clients immediately after becoming a oneworld member,” added Mr. Morioka.

The JAL Group serves 206 destinations in 34 countries and territories.  In February 2006, Japan Airlines completed the first step in reaching oneworld membership - with a fully-fledged membership in the alliance anticipated in around a year.  JAL’s American Region gateways include New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Kona, Vancouver, Mexico City and São Paulo.
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