Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd. (HAP) commenced operations of terminal buildings and facilities at seven airports across Hokkaido in January 2020: New Chitose, Wakkanai, Kushiro, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Obihiro, and Memanbetsu airports. Starting in June of that year with New Chitose Airport, we gradually initiated airport operations at each location.

Despite facing immense business challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic immediately after launching our operational business, we took them in stride by making self-help efforts through exhaustive cost reduction. Subsequently, we received substantial financial support from the national government, shareholders, and financial institutions, along with invaluable cooperation from relevant local government bodies. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that our current position owes much to the combined efforts of these five-partite collaborators.

Following the downgrade of the legal status of COVID-19 to Class 5, the same category as the seasonal flu, there have been changes in the movement of people and other factors. Consequently, we have seen a recovery trend in both domestic and international passenger numbers at the seven airports we operate. We also strongly sense progress in revenue improvement. Meanwhile, calls are intensifying to promptly implement airport investment projects deferred previously due to the pandemic. We also face challenges that were unanticipated at our company’s founding, such as labor shortages and rising labor, material, and energy costs. These challenges preclude optimism about future airport operations.

While we are currently at a stage akin to an aircraft starting to taxi from the hangar toward the runway, we can achieve takeoff with the steadfast support of the local community and all stakeholders. As we continue our united management efforts, we remain committed to ensuring smooth airport operations for the revitalization of Hokkaido.

In November 2023, we developed the HAP 2030 Vision outlining our goals for 2030. In developing this vision, numerous discussions were held among employees to align perspectives on the company’s future direction and goals, establishing shared objectives for all HAP employees to unite behind.

Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd. upholds the HAP 2030 Vision as a shared philosophy among its employees, encouraging their collective challenges, achievements, and communication. By aspiring to lead airport operations in Japan’s northern region, we strive to build a company that revitalizes Hokkaido and contributes to a brighter future.