Asian Sky Quarterly 2023 Q4

SAPPORO OPENS NEW FBO
is largely seasonal, with many of the movements taking place
during the winter months, during which time the Hokkaido region is
known for snow.
The opening of the FBO is the culmination of four years of hard
work by the Hokkaido Airport Authority, during which time it not
only tendered for the management of the FBO but also made visits
to various FBOs around the world. Hokkaido Airport Authority
itself was only set up four years ago, however opening an FBO at
Sapporo was always in its plans, with Yamamoto stating that the
Japanese government provided subsidies, and that plans had to be
put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Japanese government does provide some subsidies for
creating this type of facility to encourage more international
passengers to visit Japan. So, we decided to make use of those
subsidies” says Yamamoto.
Before COVID-19 we had around
400 business aviation flights, but at
that time arriving passengers had to
queue in the international terminal
with other passengers.”
Early on during the FBO design process the airport put out a tender
for the management of the FBO. Although several companies
submitted proposals, it would be Universal Aviation, a company that
the airport already knew very well, that eventually won.
“Their reputation is very good. Before the opening of the FBO it was
Universal that was supporting the business aircraft that visited
Sapporo,” says Yamamoto.
Although the FBO is officially open from 08:00 to 20:00, with prior
agreement visiting aircraft can be accommodated at any time. “This
airport is open 24/7, so if we have advance notice, we can arrange
for CIQ facilities to be open at any time, including the nighttime,”
says Universal Aviation’s Hiroshi Higashiyama. “But that only
applies to flights ending in Sapporo, currently tech stops are not
allowed outside of the FBO hours. Only those aircraft that have
business in Hokkaido will be accepted between 22:00 and 07:00 the
next day.”
“Of course, a diversion will be accepted at any time,” adds
Higashiyama. “We would not turn them away.”
Part of the reason behind not accepting tech stops at night is that
the airport is shared with the Japan Air Self Defence Force, which
has its own facilities along one side of the airport. Although it does
have its own runway, which during the day is often used by fighter
jets, transports and special missions’ aircraft, Air Traffic Control
(ATC) is shared with the commercial side of the airport.
FOURTH QUARTER 2023 — ASIAN SKY QUARTERLY | 54