In 2016, Japan received a total of about 13,000 business flights, of which Tokyo-Narita International Airport claimed a share of approximately 10 percent. China currently places first in terms of bizjet arrivals followed by those from the U.S., with 100 of 500 movements at Narita originating from America. Seeing the importance of the market, Narita Airport Corporation (NAA, Booth 4760), hopes to boost arrivals from America by showcasing the airport's business jet terminal and its initiatives for attracting corporate jets. 

“We are also participating in a Japan pavilion that will highlight all the different corporate jet programs around the country," said Keiju Nishime, Narita Premier Gate, Passenger Terminal Management Department, NAA.

NAA hopes to promote business aviation as a country-wide effort, rather than competing with other suburban airports in the region.

“We are working together with the other airports in Greater Tokyo to steadily increase demand by promoting Japan as an attractive destination and emphasizing the convenience of the corporate jet terminal,” Nishime told AIN. “However, we do present our strengths, which include 18 dedicated business aviation stands, relatively low landing fees, and a VIP lounge.”

The Narita Premier Lounge is situated at the airport’s Terminal 2, with the parking stands located closer to the maintenance area, about eight minutes by car. Currently, there are nine ground-handling companies providing services for business aviation at Narita. Landing and parking fees (for less than six hours) range around U.S.$467 and U.S.$41 for a Bombardier Challenger 600, or around U.S.$1,349 and $146, respectively, for a Boeing BBJ.

Unlike most international hubs, Narita has no slots dedicated exclusively to corporate jets and allocates them on a first-come, first served basis.

“There is congestion during the peak hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., so it is necessary to secure those slots well in advance. Outside those hours, we tend to have extra slots and they are relatively easy to obtain,” he said.

Like the rest of Tokyo, NAA is expecting increased movements in 2020, during the periods of the Olympics. Japan’s busiest international airport is already carrying out extensive renovation and upgrading to improve passenger experience and has also announced the construction of a temporary terminal to cope with the influx.

“We expect higher-than-normal corporate jet movements during the Tokyo Olympics, including both Olympic-related personnel and tourists. To meet the demand, we are considering increasing the number of stands and adding a temporary terminal for the exclusive use of corporate aircraft," Nishime added.