Landmark development in the aviation industry today: Terminal.0 Haneda officially opened to propel Tokyo Haneda International Airport far above other world-class airports by 2030. Business development manager for Japan Travel KK, I had the privilege of attending the press conference and tour organised by Japan Airport Terminal (company behind Haneda Airport). Sole non-Asian in a sea of Japanese journalists, I gained a unique perspective on its “World Best Airport” vision and on cutting-edge R&D driving Terminal.0 Haneda.
Focus on Heartfelt Passenger Journeys
Terminal.0 Haneda embodies an evolution of airport design, prioritising passenger experiences that resonate on a deeper level. This 200-seat, light-filled co-working space in Tokyo features the expected soundproof conference room, kitchen, etc. but also offers a glimpse into the future with:
- Innovative solutions such as an air-vacuum packing system for maximising luggage capacity, and an automated baggage drop system for enhancing convenience at hotels, etc.
- Pleasurable elements such as a lounge with soothing scents, sky-bluing windows, and antiglare windows strategically positioned to enable breathtaking photos of aircraft on the tarmac.
- Human-centred design such as family-friendly carts ensuring the safe enjoyment of young travellers, and a wall of fans adjusting airflows to optimise comfort. Additionally, test fields with mock-ups of security checkpoints, waiting rooms, and cabins enable meticulous evaluation and refinement, aiming to reduce stress and frustration while optimising passenger flows.
Embracing DX
At the forefront of digital transformation (aka DX), Terminal.0 Haneda leverages technology to streamline processes and enhance the passenger experience. I particularly appreciated:
- Smart information systems such as entrance gates integrating flight schedules with displays giving passengers real-time weather forecasts and sightseeing tips for their destinations, non-intrusive passenger flow monitoring based on pressure/floor sensors, and multilingual systems with friendly avatars.
- Robotic assistance such as Whill wheelchairs enhancing the mobility of diverse travellers (disabled, injured, pregnant, frail elders…), porter robots carrying luggage, and delivery robots for food & drinks. Robotic integration favours inclusivity, directly enhances passenger service, frees up staff to personalise attention to passengers, and makes 24-7 service realistic even with Japan’s growing labour shortage.
- The state-of-the-art control centre integrating camera feeds from robots with a virtual-reality reconstruction of Haneda Airport. It enables real-time monitoring and efficient management of operations & incidents.
An Eclectic Innovation Hub
Terminal.0 Haneda gathers various industry leaders to tackle key challenges. From streamlining security checks to exploring the integration of design & art, the focus is on challenging assumptions (the zero in the name represents potential from scratch) and generating continuous improvement. The projects actively explore the future of flight, including flying taxis (tenant IHI) and space travel (tenant Space Port Japan).
While initial priorities are comfort, convenience, productivity, and functionality, I hope that sustainability will become an integral component of their innovations, matching the worldwide powerful calls by citizens & governments for responsible travel practices.
In Terminal.0 Haneda’s dynamic environment, the renowned technology giant Hitachi unexpectedly shares space with the cosmetics leader Shiseido, alongside the publishing powerhouse Toppan, local railway Keikyu, and Osaka University (certainly aiming to showcase first innovations at the next World Expo scheduled in 2025 in Osaka).
Next Collaborations for the Future of Flight
To comprehensively reimagine the passenger experience and ensure successful commercialization, Terminal.0 Haneda hosts representatives of two domestic airports that can help test everything from home/hotels to destinations. I’m thrilled that Aso Kumamoto Airport is a partner because it is a gateway to Kurokawa-onsen, one of my top 5 pinpoint destinations in Japan 🙂
Responding to one of my questions during the press conference, the deputy chief of the business development section at Terminal.0 Haneda expressed a keen interest in fostering collaborations. My company is well-positioned to assist in this endeavour as our services include inbound market ideation, expert consulting about the travel experiences of western tourists and residents in Japan, and sourcing of diverse international participants for user testing. If you are involved in airport operations or travel-related research and development, I encourage you to reach out and explore potential collaborations too.
Beyond
Covering 1,515 ha (¼ bigger than London Heathrow Airport), Haneda Airport:
- Annually welcomes 87 million passengers, ranking 1st nationwide and 5th worldwide.
- Daily handles the departure of 168 international flights to 53 cities abroad, plus 497 domestic flights, with diverse airlines.
- Is rated 5-Star by the UK-based consultancy Skytrax for airport facilities, terminal comfort & cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, staff service, security, and immigration.
Terminal.0 Haneda is in zone C of Haneda Innovation City, near Tokyo Tenkubashi train station, one stop away from Haneda Airport. During your visit, consider exploring the nearby Anamori Inari Shrine, steeped in Shinto mystery, or marvelling at the stunning entrance decorations of the Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport Hotel (respectively 13 & 22 minutes away on foot).
With its commitment to passenger well-being and a focus on continuous innovation, Terminal.0 Haneda offers a glimpse into a future where you can experience delightful seamless air travel. To join the conversation and get insights from industry professionals, feel free to explore the comments section of my corresponding LinkedIn post.
Terminal.0 Haneda official page (Japanese only):
https://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/terminal0/