• Swissport has begun passenger and ramp services for Eastar Jet’s daily Busan–New Chitose flights, marking its first operation in northern Japan and expanding its Asia-Pacific footprint.
• To support Hokkaido’s busy winter travel season, Swissport is deploying dedicated equipment for snow and de-icing to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Around 50 new seasonal jobs are being created through a local recruitment and training programme, tapping regional skills and supporting the community.

Swissport has commenced Passenger Services and Ramp Services for Eastar Jet’s daily flights between Busan’s Gimhae International Airport and New Chitose Airport, Japan’s fifth busiest airport, on 26 October 2025. This marks Swissport’s first operation in northern Japan and strengthens its strategic footprint in Asia-Pacific, supporting growing inbound tourism to one of Japan’s most iconic winter destinations.

“We are proud to be working with Eastar Jet and look forward to supporting their operations,” said Stephan Kaeser, Chief Operating Officer of Swissport Japan. “This partnership marks an exciting milestone as we expand into northern Japan and meet the growing demand for reliable ground services at New Chitose Airport.”

Known for its world-class ski resorts, Hokkaido attracts millions of visitors each year. To support the busy winter season, Swissport is investing in a dedicated fleet of ground service equipment, including de-icing units and snow operations vehicles, to ensure safe and efficient operations in challenging winter conditions.

“This region attracts significant international traffic in winter, and we expect a busy first season,” Kaeser continued.

“With our experience managing high-volume airport hubs across Japan, Swissport is well positioned to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable services from day one.”

To support the launch, Swissport has initiated a recruitment and training programme to build a skilled team at New Chitose. This includes creating around 50 new seasonal jobs, with a focus on engaging the local workforce.

“The Hokkaido region has a strong farming community, with many skilled in operating heavy machinery and driving in snowy conditions,” Kaeser explained. “We aim to leverage these skills to ensure safety-first operations during the winter months, while providing meaningful seasonal employment outside the farming season.”

With this expansion, Swissport further strengthens its presence in Japan, where it already provides airport ground services for multiple airline customers at Fukuoka, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka and Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports. The company also operates three modern air cargo warehouses across Japan, supporting air freight movements from key gateways.