JAPAN. Shimojishima Airport has opened in Okinawa, with a strong Sense of Place in the design and offer. The regional airport aims to offer international and domestic flights, with a target of 300,000 passengers by 2021.
Work was completed on the Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal in Miyakojima City on 11 March with the opening on 30 March, including the inaugural Jetstar Japan flight from Narita International. In addition to the Narita-Shimojishima route, there are plans for a Kansai-Shimojishima route by Jetstar, and for a flight by HK Express between Hong Kong and Shimojishima, the first regular international route in the Miyakojima area of the island.
The opening ceremony was led by Shimojishima Airport Management Co., Ltd President & CEO Kentaro Tomono, along with local officials from Miyakojima City and Okinawa Prefecture.
The retail offer includes the Coral Port duty free shop, plus Coral Port airside and landside stores offering a selection of local products unique to the Miyako Islands. Coral Port is also the branding for two food and beverage facilities, which come with a ‘Made in Miyako’ tag line.
The airport company said in a statement: “To properly convey the appeal of the Miyako Islands and its abundant natural plants, fruits, meats and seafood, we have installed cafés and other eateries providing food from local ingredients both in the check-in building and the lounge (departures) building.
“By connecting the restaurants with local producers and contracting the management to [F&B partner] Okinawa UDS with its abundant menu planning experience, we aim to convey the appeal of local producers and the islands, contributing to the spread of local food culture and regional revitalisation.”
The airport company is working with local tourism authorities to increase the appeal of the Miyako Island chain to visitors, both domestic and international.
The concept design is ‘A resort which starts at the airport’. The airport company said: “Incorporating lush greenery and natural light, we are aiming for those who visit Miyako Islands to enjoy a relaxing space from the moment their plane touches down. With special facilities for receiving international routes, the design features smooth immigration and departure, and aims for an excellent user experience.”
This is also Japan’s first ‘net zero energy’ airport terminal, designed to reduce primary energy consumption by 68% compared to the national standard. It also features a CLT (cross-laminated timber) roof structure, the first of its kind in an airport terminal in Japan.
