Just a single day’s difference can determine where you get to land in Tokyo, and it could add an additional 60 minutes in travel time to get to the city center. Why? Because there are 2 main airports serving the Tokyo area – Haneda International Airport and Narita International Airport - and there are conditions that need to be met in order to land at either airport.

There are some key differences that the APERTUS team has to consider and verify before we present you the options, here is a look into what goes on behind the scenes when we handle your charters.

Location and Slot Availability

Since Haneda handles 90% of the domestic flights, it is Japan’s busiest airport which has typically made it harder to get slots for your private jet to land at your desired time. Domestic flights are usually prioritized over private charters. Even with the opening of a new Business Aviation Gate in July 2021, with its own customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) clearance channel, slot availability for private charters has only increased slightly.

Nonetheless, we suggest that if you can help it, let us know about your intentions to travel to Tokyo earlier if you want to secure your slot at Haneda, especially since it is closer to the city – about a 20 min drive away from central Tokyo.

When Haneda is not available, the jet will land in Narita, but this airport isn’t exactly located in Tokyo but rather 70 km away in its neighboring prefecture of Chiba – about a 1.5h drive away from central Tokyo. This 60 minutes difference could cost you an important meeting or take up time that can be spent on more meaningful activities.

In comparison to Haneda, airport slots are seldom an issue at Narita airport and can usually be obtained the same day if needed.

Hence last minute charters will most likely land in Narita, it is also usually easier to change your departure/arrival slot timings at Narita due to less traffic.

Depending on the charter, APERTUS will check with the operators and determine which airports are available with the airport staff on ground, either way, we will get you to Tokyo as efficiently as possible.

Ground Handlers

The main ground handler company serving private jets at Haneda and Narita airport is Universal Aviation.

We recommend them as they have very well-established and entrenched relationships with authorities. They provide comprehensive services and amenities from baggage handling and security arrangements to VIP lounges, in-flight catering and accommodation arrangements.

Over the years we have also strengthened our relationship with Universal Aviation, which benefits all APERTUS clients because we consider the ground handlers and extension of ourselves and you can be assured that your arrival will be handled with care and efficiency.

This information can be useful for you to make better informed requests to the APERTUS team when you book your charter. However, regardless of which airport you land at, rest assured that the team will make all the preparations needed to get you to your destination at your desired time.