Seamless Travel to Hokkaido: Swissport Expands Operations at New Chitose Airport for Winter Tourists

Swissport has started its first operation in the northern part of Japan with the provision of ground handling services at New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo, Hokkaido. This will help in the Eastar Jet flights from Busan’s Gimhae International Airport to Sapporo that commenced on October 26, 2025. The addition will allow the company to offer Passenger Services as well as Ramp Services aimed at improving the experience of those visiting Hokkaido, Japan’s popular winter destination region.

This operation falls within the broader context of the company’s attempt to strengthen its foothold in the Asia-Pacific region, catering to the increasing need for dependable ground services in the area. With more international visitors coming to Hokkaido for its renowned ski resorts and outdoor activities, Swissport’s operation will help Eastar Jet to expand its service and tourists coming to Sapporo and the surrounding regions.

Supporting the Growth of Tourism in Hokkaido

Ancient Hokkaido has shown a great preference for both foreign and domestic tourists and travellers during the winter. The area has ski resorts, spectacular winter views, hot springs and a number of other beautiful sceneries that draw tourists every year. The largest city in the area, Sapporo, has some of the greatest fests of the country like the Sapporo Snow Festival and acts as the entry point for people going to the natural scenic spots in and around the city such as Niseko and Furano.

The Eastar Jet route from Busan to Sapporo has added to the region’s popularity, particularly for South Korean travellers, who constitute a large percentage of Hokkaido’s tourist population. The tourists who disembark at the New Aiport Chitose andthe Australia border will have a simple and pleasurable trip. The Eastar Jet and Swissport collaboration will also enhance their time spent in Sapporo.

With this new operation, in terms of ground handling and spa services, Swissport is fulfilling the operational demands of the region’s growing winter tourism, which Eastar Jet supports operationally and, in turn, Swissport supports provided operational services as well eastar jet. Swissport’s supportive operations for Eastar Jet’s operation is crucial as flights need to be operational, especially in winter, which is the peak tourist season in Hokkaido for skiing and other winter outdoor activities.

In the region, Swissport has made significant operational improvements in ground handling to meet the demand of the winter season. For winter, the company is well equipped with specialized de-icing pads and snow operations vehicles, which ensures the safe and efficient de-icing of aircraft and ground operations. This snow operation equipment is vital for operational excellence as it enables the timely departure of flights, even during challenging weather in other parts of Japan.

Alongside the seasonal tools, Swissport has started recruiting and training 50 seasonal workers. These workers will be vital to the efficient functioning of the ground operations, which include check-in and boarding of passengers, baggage handling, and servicing of the aircraft. Swissport will be able to hire such workers and economically support the region because these workers will be able to understand the difficulties winter in Northern Japan poses.

Improved Connectivity for Global Travellers

For foreign visitors to Hokkaido, the latest Swissport activities at New Chitose Airport significantly enhance international link services. Eastar Jet’s new international flights from Busan to Sapporo significantly increase the accessibility of Japan’s northern island for South Korean travelers, who are keen to experience its amazing outdoor activities and beautiful nature.

Swissport’s activities at New Chitose Airport support Eastar Jet’s flights and provide vital onward international connections to major Asian and other cities. This increased international connectivity is essential for the region in order to attract tourists from South Korea, China, and Southeast Asia, who are keen to visit the ski facilities, parks, and other attractions.

If someone comes to New Chitose Airport, he or she can be at utmost ease as Swissport attends to all their needs efficiently. The level of convenience provided is unmatched as customers can be flown down to their hotels located in Sapporo city, or driven all the way up to the ski hills positioned in Niseko, or even taken for a tour across many of the remarkable places in the region.

Hokkaido’s Popular Winter Activities

Hokkaido is simply one of the few places in Asia that is a wonder for tourists in winter. Be it sking, snowshoeing or snowboarding, there is no shortage of options available for winter lovers. People from across the world come to witness these winter amazements at places like snapshot Furano, and Rusutsu ski resorts. Besides these, the region is blessed with hot springs that are worth sinking in like the therapeutic baths of Noboribetsu, and Jozankei. Surely these locations are guaranteed to bring delight after an adventure-filled day.

Visitors with softer expectations will not be disappointed as Sapporo contains an array of cultural wonders. People are treated to the Sapporo Snow Festival that features eye-catching sculptures made of crystal and garners attention from thousands of people every year. Skelton-level activities like visiting museums, savouring the local gastronomy, or immersing oneself in the renowned nightlife of Sapporo are also available.

Conclusion

The arrival of Swissport’s ground handling services at New Chitose Airport is nothing short of spectacular. This new base will definitely allow Swissport to tailor services for winter purposes to better serve Hokkaido. Together with the new seasonally prepared assets and ground handling equipment deployment at the Open Skies region, it will streamline air travel and ground services to and from Hokkaido. Winter equipment and staffing during the peak seasons of skiing and hot springs, as well as large cultural festivals and other events, will make it easier for people to enjoy winter in Japan. People skiing or enjoying other winter activities in Japan’s northernmost region will definitely have multiple options for an enriching experience.

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