This Japanese airport hasn’t lost a single piece of baggage in 30 years
The Osaka-based aviation hub deservedly won a baggage handling award in April
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Japan’s seventh busiest airport is celebrating an aviation milestone – 30 years without losing a single piece of baggage.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka said that since opening in September 1994, none of the suitcases of the 20 to 30 million passengers the airport welcomes annually have been misplaced or damaged by baggage handlers or ground staff.
Despite the impressive record, airport staff were modest about the achievement.
Kenji Takanishi, a public relations officer for Kansai, told CNN: “We don’t feel like we have been doing something special.
“We have been working as we normally do. We only do our work on a daily basis and we are recognised for it. We are certainly happy to receive the award. I think our staff, especially those working on the ground, feel more pleased.”
In April, the efficient Japanese aviation hub won first place in the Skytrax, a UK-based air transport rating organisation, baggage handling category for the eighth time.
The World Airport Award evaluates waiting time before baggage pickup, the efficiency of baggage delivery, and the response to lost baggage by international airports.
Floating on manmade islands in Osaka Bay, Kansai serves travellers from Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto and aims to carefully return luggage to the baggage claim belt within 15-minute margins.
Earlier this year, it was reported that the artificial islands holding the ‘world’s best’ airport are quickly sinking into the Seto Inland Sea following years of extreme weather conditions and the enormous weight of airport buildings.
Renovations are currently underway at Kansai Airport to accommodate millions of additional passengers as Osaka gears up to host the World Expo in 2025.
The Kansai Airports Group said it will continue to “create an environment in which passengers can have a pleasant and fun time at the airport and provide enjoyable travel experiences”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments