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Greetings from the Narita Airport email newsletter editorial office.
Tomorrow is Halloween! I plan to eat lots of sweets at home instead of dressing up in a costume. In fact, there is a delicious Mont Blanc with my name on it waiting for me right now.
This month's edition also includes another edition of our very popular series profiling staff occupations in the airport. If you don't read it to the end I might just pull a Halloween "trick" on you. |
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The Accuracy and Speed Brings Cries of Surprise! No. 14 in Our Series Showcasing the Jobs of Airport Staff |
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Air Canada resumes Tokyo (Narita) - Toronto Flights! |
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ZIPAIR launched the new service to Seoul on 16 October! |
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Peach Aviation (MM/APJ) moved from the Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 on 25 October 2020. |
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Change of Terminals for International Flights that Arrive at Terminal 3(As of 25 Oct (Sun), 0:00) |
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Important: Notice Concerning COVID-19 |
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Temporary Reduction of Airport User Charges for Scheduled Passenger Flights |
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Monthly Traffic Statistics (September 2020) |
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ZIPAIR to Launch New Narita - Bangkok Passenger Service on 28 October 2020! |
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The Accuracy and Speed Brings Cries of Surprise!
No. 14 in Our Series Showcasing the Jobs of Airport Staff |
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Each issue of our magazine features our popular staff occupation profiles. Our focus in this issue turns to foreign currency exchange services which are indispensable when traveling abroad. Perhaps you have used one of these services at least once.
Narita Airport presently has a total of 27 banks and currency exchange windows where travelers can exchange their currency. There are also automatic foreign currency exchange and coin exchange machines in each of our terminals. These handle a total of 34 foreign currencies.
*Details
For this edition, I interviewed one staff member from each of four foreign currency exchange locations and they had a lot to say!
What goes through their minds as they work hard throughout the day at the airport in the face of COVID-19? Here are some extracts from the interviews with them. They are very interesting so read to the end. |
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| Tell us about the work you do? |
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(Interviewee A)
Basically, I am in charge of dealing with customers at the counter. When changing shifts I recount the money in a process we call "reconciliation". Other than that, I am also in charge of providing assistance in the lobby. This entails showing queuing customers how to fill in their currency exchange request slips.
(Interviewee B)
My main responsibility is to deal with customers at the counter. I also manage foreign currency reserves, register the daily exchange rates and try to organize and improve our working environment.
At present, there are not many customers due to COVID-19 but for those who are using Narita Airport, we try to offer a moment's peace of mind and decorate the counter with origami and messages of hope that we can overcome this difficult situation together.
(Interviewee C)
I am mainly in charge of clerical work and public relations. It is also my job to provide general support for the staff. When someone takes a vacation or when there are not enough staff available during busy seasons, I also assist on the counters. I keep an eye on all the different work going on in our premises.
(Interviewee D)
I load cash into the machines before we open and check computer operations. I also clean the area around the counters so that they look spotless from every angle, and then I get ready for our first customers. During business hours, I check that there is enough cash in the machines and recount the cash at the beginning and end of each shift.
Origami at Interviewee B's counters.
The three messages in the photo are changed every day. |
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| How did you get into this job? |
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(Interviewee A)
There are so many reasons. First of all, my love of aircraft and airports is a major reason. We don't see many aircraft where I come from but, after I moved close to Narita and saw so many big planes flying around, my love of aircraft and airports naturally grew. Also, one of my friends worked in currency exchange at Narita Airport and listening to their stories got me interested. Later, I happened on a recruitment advertisement for this job and I applied.
(Interviewee B)
Originally, I had worked for a financial institution but I left when I got married and had children. When the children grew up, I started thinking about working in a financial institution again. It worried me a little because it had been such a long time but I took the job with the idea of retaining my sense of accepting challenges and to make use of my customer service skills at the front door to Japan, Narita Airport. Now I have a job that is rewarding and I look forward to every day.
(Interviewee C)
Originally, I worked at another location but I was transferred here about 15 years ago and have been here ever since.
(Interviewee D)
I got this job because I like dealing with people and my previous job was in a financial institution. Another reason for working at this exchange counter is that I live in Narita City and I am familiar with Narita Airport. |
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| What was your most memorable moment in your job to date? |
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(Interviewee A)
One day, this person from overseas came up to me and told me, "You exchanged money for me last year. It's good to see you again". That made me so happy at the time.
(Interviewee B)
Some visitors to Japan exclaim "Amazing!" when they see our handling skills when we are counting currency notes. Perhaps this is something that only Japanese people can do (laughs) but I am delighted that this gives them so much interest.
(Interviewee C)
Some of our customers are extremely rushed. I try not to take too long with such people but even still, I do try to put kindness and care into every word I say to them and I feel very happy when they leave with a smile on their face.
(Interviewee D)
I was once told by a delighted customer living abroad, "It is reassuring that I can exchange currency in Japan and there will never be a mistake. The origami on the counter are also a priceless memory and I will come here again when I can". I still remember the happiness on their face today and I was overcome with joy at the time. |
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| What is foremost in your mind each day when you work? |
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(Interviewee A)
Well, naturally, always smile when serving customers. I also double check everything when I am handling cash to make sure there are no mistakes.
(Interviewee B)
The people that use currency exchange services vary in age and purpose of travel. We try to add a little extra to the service we provide by varying our tone of speech and speed to the needs of the individual customers to ensure that all are satisfied.
(Interviewee C)
We have a saying at our counters, "Check money carefully". Unlike baggage, cash does not bear the customer's name. Therefore, this expression means that we must count out each bill carefully in front of the customer or another staff member. Because we are handling cash, it stands to reason that we must be aware of the need to be accurate. Accuracy is the basic rule.
(Interviewee D)
We always try to be bright and cheerful and all of us practice speaking at our morning assembly. I am always working to improve my knowledge and ways of speaking so that I know how to speak with customers who are distressed and can give accurate advice on the currencies they want to exchange. When dealing with cash, we always carefully count out the amount we receive from the customer in front of them, and when handing over cash to them, we carefully and slowly count it out so that they can check.
We also decorate our counters with seasonal origami to create a welcoming atmosphere. Origami is also given as a souvenir of Japan but spinning tops are very popular because they can be played with on an aircraft.
Origami at Interviewee D's counter,
with popular spinning tops in the foreground. |
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| What are your recommended spots at Narita Airport? |
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(Interviewee A)
I recommend the shops on the 4th floor of Terminal 1, where you can buy sweets from all over Japan! I get a glowing welcome whenever I return to my hometown with all sorts of sweets (laughs).
(Interviewee B)
There are several places I can recommend: among them the stylish, eye-catching toilets on the first and third floors of Terminal 2. On many occasions I've heard people exclaim in amazement when they see them, which brings me joy. I think Japanese toilets are the cleanest and best equipped in the world.
(Interviewee C)
My restaurant recommendation is Keisei Yuzen in Terminal 1. Personally, I've been working at Narita Airport for many years and a regular customer since the early days. I find it a comforting place.
(Interviewee D)
I recommend the Oliver Sky Oasis space near Gate 24 in Terminal 1. This is a perfect place to spend the time before boarding, watching planes take off and land, or using the charging stations to take care of some work on your laptop. |
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| What message would you like to share with our readers? |
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(Interviewee A)
I love airports, so it's a real shame that people have few chances to visit in the current situation. That said, I am sure that we will eventually return to the days of airports bustling with travelers. We're looking forward to welcoming you back to the airport with bright, smiling faces.
(Interviewee B)
It's unfortunate that an airport as busy as Narita now sees so few travelers. I sincerely hope that we will soon return to those lively scenes. If you do have a chance to visit, be sure to check out the spots recommended in this issue!
(Interviewee C)
Although we have to put our travel dreams on hold for now, there is a lot more to Narita Airport! I hope visitors will come to enjoy the airport for reasons other than travel, even just to watch the aircraft.
(Interviewee D)
Unfortunately the airport is quiet at the moment due to the coronavirus. I hope to see you all at the airport when the days of travel return once more! |
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| [ Interviewer Comments ] |
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| For this issue, I spoke with staff from four different currency exchange counters, all of whom shared a strong desire to get through this difficult COVID-19 period and begin welcoming customers back with a smile. In regards to their work, I also felt that they were very conscious of ensuring accuracy in handling cash. With such conscientious staff at every exchange counter, I can see why visitors to Japan say they can rest assured that the job will be done right! Thank you all! |
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Air Canada resumes Tokyo (Narita) - Toronto Flights! |
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Air Canada has resumed services on the Narita-Toronto route.
- Toronto route: 3 flights weekly
- Vancouver route: 4 flights weekly
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Schedule for Oct 2020 - Jan 2021
| Route |
Flight
Nos. |
Service
Days |
Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
| Narita - Toronto |
AC22 |
Mon
Thu
Sat |
18:00 *
*11/14, 28 flights are cancelled |
10/26-31 17:00
11/2-1/11 16:00 |
| Toronto - Narita |
AC21 |
Wed
Fri
Sun |
10/25-30 11:55
11/1-1/10 10:55 *
*11/13, 27 flights are cancelled |
14:15 (+1) |
| Narita - Vancouver |
AC4 |
Tue
Wed
Fri
Sun |
18:30 *
*11/17, 24 flights are cancelled |
10/27-11/1 11:10
11/3-1/10 10:10 |
| Vancouver - Narita |
AC3 |
Mon
Tue
Thu
Sat |
10/26-31 14:45
11/2-1/9 13:45 *
*11/16, 23 flights are cancelled |
16:50 (+1) |
*The above schedule is subject to change.
With the introduction of its health and safety program 'Air Canada CleanCare+', the airline is working to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, whether returning home or traveling for business, with science-based measures that offer greater peace of mind.
The airline has also resumed serving in-flight meals conceived by renowned Canadian chefs for all passengers on flights departing from Canada.To meet safety standards, all meals are individually packaged and served in a box format.
Please note that immigration control measures may be changed according to circumstances.Those planning to travel to Canada should check entry requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website ahead of time.
*Air Canada Official website |
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ZIPAIR launched the new service to Seoul on 16 October! |
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Seoul, located in the north west of South Korea, is a giant metropolis which serves as the nation's capital and is an eclectic mixture of high-rise buildings, Buddhist temples and shrines, ancient buildings of cultural significance, and traditional old street markets. Gyeongbokgung Palace, a historical landmark, and Myeong-dong, Seoul's central downtown area famous for cosmetics and fashion and food, are popular places to visit. The new ZIPAIR service is just one more reason to use Narita Airport's growing network of destinations.
> Details |
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Peach Aviation (MM/APJ) moved from the Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 on 25 October 2020. |
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Please ensure that you arrive at the correct terminal.
> Details |
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Change of Terminals for International Flights that Arrive at Terminal 3(As of 25 Oct (Sun), 0:00) |
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Due to increased quarantine enforcement and, at the direction of the Japanese government, Terminal 3 flights will now arrive at Terminal 2.
Airlines
-JETSTAR JAPAN(GK / JJP)
-JETSTAR AIRWAYS(JQ / JST)
-SPRING JAPAN(IJ / SJO)
-SPRING AIRLINES(9C / CQH)
-JEJU AIR(7C / JJA)
*Details |
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Important: Notice Concerning COVID-19 |
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The Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and other government agencies are working in conjunction with airport companies to detect and stop the spread of the virus at Narita Airport.
When coming to the airport, please observe and cooperate with the following.
*Details |
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I hope you enjoyed our October issue.
All of the staff I interviewed in this issue were very polite and I thought that thanks to the staff like them, visitors to Japan are impressed with the politeness of Japan.
See you next month!! |
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