The implementation of national travel assistance has brought renewed attention to domestic travel.
JAL, which has bases throughout Japan, has been continuously implementing regional revitalization initiatives (currently the “JAL Furusato Project”). In August 2020, flight attendants selected through an internal application process moved to the area and launched the “JAL Furusato Ambassadors” to promote regional initiatives, and in In December of the same year, JAL appointed “JAL hometown supporters,” who are involved in regional revitalization while serving on board. The aim is to develop products and solve regional issues for hometowns and other regions with which they have connections, utilizing the knowledge they have accumulated as flight attendants.
We spoke with Yoshiko Fuji, an Oita hometown ambassador who is also involved in the “Space No Onsen Prefecture Oita” initiative at Oita Airport.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Did you know that Oita Prefecture is currently working on a project to realize the launch of a satellite using aircraft from Oita Airport in April 2020, making Oita Airport the first “space port” in Asia? The entire prefecture is promoting the connection with space under the concept of “Space No Onsen Prefecture Oita” by 2022, and JAL is also participating in this project as an airline that flies to Oita Airport. JAL, as an airline that flies to Oita Airport, is also participating in this project. In this issue, we will introduce some ways to enjoy Oita, space, and the sky within Oita Airport.
–How are you involved in this effort?
Many people think of hot springs when they hear the name Oita Prefecture. Beppu City and 16 other cities, towns, and villages have hot springs, and Oita Prefecture is Japan’s largest hot spring prefecture in terms of both the amount of hot springs and the number of sources. Upon arrival at Oita Airport, visitors can enjoy a free footbath, but this is no ordinary footbath; there is one that will make you feel like you are in outer space.
After passing through a curtain with an alien design, visitors will find that the walls and ceiling are decorated with space patterns, creating a space-inspired mechanism that is truly unique to Oita, the Onsen Prefecture of outer space. A simple changing room and towels for wiping the feet are also available for purchase, making it an easy place to enjoy footbaths.
There are other tricks combining the spaceport and hot springs: a limited edition Oita Airport print sticker machine on the second floor, and an original face-painting panel next to the JAL counter on the first floor. I participated in the meeting to decide the panel design, and I would be happy if you could take a picture to commemorate your visit to Oita, the spaceport and hot spring prefecture.
In addition, the souvenir store “Sora no Eki Tabibito” sells space-related products such as space food and rare original goods such as JAXA-supervised T-shirts, caps, and patches.
When you use Oita Airport, we would like you to feel the space noonsen prefecture Oita.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
JAL, together with JALPAC, has planned a special event to bring the skies closer to passengers using Oita Airport.
Currently, JALPAC Dynamic Packages customers can participate in a mini-aircraft class with a mechanic and a photo session free of charge at Oita Airport.
JAL mechanics will explain how airplanes work directly to you at the Mini Aviation Classroom. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a mechanic about airplanes. In the photo session, you can wear mock uniforms of pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and ground staff, and adult uniforms will be available for everyone to enjoy. Please take a look at the backboard used for the photo session, which includes some of my ideas (see the photo at the beginning of this article).
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.