Employee Interview
New Chitose Airport Office, Airport Operations Department, Lighting and Electricity Section
Please tell us about your work
Have you ever seen the many lights lit on an airport runway at night? These lights, known as "aeronautical lights," are equipment used to assist aircraft takeoff, landing, and taxiing, and provide information to pilots through their colors and placement. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 aeronautical lights installed at New Chitose Airport, and I am responsible for the operation, maintenance, and renewal of these lights. In particular, I work with the relevant maintenance agencies to deal with daily issues and ensure that the aeronautical lights are operational.
Will my background in science at university be put to good use?
Although I'm a science major, I majored in materials engineering, so electrical engineering is a foreign field. I've had a long career in sales and marketing in my previous jobs, and I've also worked in general affairs and flight information at HAP, so this is my first time working in a technical role. However, even if I don't have a situation where I need to use the subjects I learned, such as extracting the elements necessary to solve a problem, identifying specific problems and coming up with solutions, and seeking new perspectives in the process of analyzing and evaluating information, these skills are not required only for a specific job type in the problem-solving process, so I don't think it would be a waste to try something different.
How did you end up joining HAP?
I heard about the start of privatization at New Chitose Airport from a representative of an airline that I worked with as a client in my previous job, and I was intrigued, so I applied. I had experience in a variety of positions, from sales and marketing to general affairs and human resources, so I thought I could put that experience to good use at HAP. What motivated me most was that I love flying, and I was familiar with New Chitose Airport having often used it for business trips and homecomings.
What has your career been like from the time you joined the company until now?
When I joined the company, I was mainly responsible for the business succession from the Civil Aviation Bureau at Hakodate Airport in preparation for privatization. As a leader in aircraft information operations, I was responsible for inspecting whether the airport and its surrounding areas were in a state that would not interfere with aircraft operations, and especially during the winter when there was snow and ice, I was responsible for conducting snow and ice surveys on runways, taxiways, etc. and providing the results to operators, as well as managing parking spots (spots), including allocating spots to ensure efficient operation. I was then transferred to New Chitose Airport, where I began my career in aeronautical lighting operations. I have gained in-depth, multifaceted experience in on-site airport operations, including airport information operations and aeronautical lighting electrical operations.
What are the benefits of being able to transfer workplaces or departments?
Each airport has its own characteristics, and the skills and knowledge required vary depending on the department. Even within the same organization, there is a wide variety of tasks, so you can gain a wide range of experience and, in a good way, you will never get bored of your work. Of course, every time you transfer to a different department, you will be in an unfamiliar environment, learning new tasks, continually studying, and of course feeling anxious at times. However, it is also certainly an opportunity to advance your career. A new world may be full of anxiety and expectations, but if you take the plunge, I believe you will discover a new side of yourself.
What message would you like to give to those who want to become HAP?
The seven airports managed by HAP are important infrastructure for Hokkaido. We want to work with people who share a sense of mission to protect it with their own hands. The job scope is broad, and each task requires a high level of specialization, making it challenging. Furthermore, airport operations are not completed by a single task; they rely on teamwork with various departments. That's why we welcome not only those who have the drive to persevere and solve problems and overcome difficulties, but also those who can tackle unprecedented challenges with a positive attitude and who can collaborate with colleagues to achieve a common goal. And if you have a passion for airplanes and airports, that will be the driving force behind your growth.
A day's schedule
(Night shift)
IT'S MY STYLE
| hobby | Watching baseball (watching games at the home stadiums of all 12 professional baseball teams), traveling (has visited all 47 prefectures in Japan) |
|---|---|
| Hokkaido Recommendations | Escon Field Hokkaido |
How to spend your holidays
I became a baseball fan when Manager Shinjo (who was a player at the time) joined the Fighters. I'm now a Baystars fan, but the Fighters are my favorite in the Pacific League. I frequent Ace Contest on my days off, including during interleague games.