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Farmers are the Heroes of Winter Airports! Why Asahikawa Airport is "snowproof
Asahikawa Airport is the gateway to the skies in the middle of Hokkaido. Although located in an area with heavy snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of over 550 cm, more than twice that of Chitose City where New Chitose Airport is located, the airport boasts an astonishing 99% (in 2019) of flights in service. Why is Asahikawa Airport so resistant to snow? Behind this is the existence of "certain people" who support Asahikawa Airport in winter.
The key players are nearby farmers! WAX WINGS", the snow removal team that supports the airport
In Hokkaido in winter, flights are inevitably cancelled due to bad weather conditions such as blizzards and heavy snowfall. The secret behind Asahikawa Airport's high service rate in winter is the "thorough snow removal system on the runway. The system is supported by a snow removal team called "WAX WINGS.
The members of the "WAX WINGS" are all local farmers. Farmers from Higashikagura Town, Higashikawa Town, Biei Town, and the suburbs of Asahikawa City have gathered to serve as an elite snow removal team for the winter season only. Their skilled skills and teamwork remove snow from the vast 2,500-meter runway to support safe flight operations.
I want to know more! We asked about WAX WINGS.
So what are the actual activities of "WAX WINGS"? First, we spoke with Mr. Eita Sakai of the Asahikawa Airport Office of Hokkaido Airport Co.
How many people make up the snow removal team?
What do farmers usually produce?
Do you feel that the work of farmers is also used for snow removal?
When did you start working as a snow removal team?
How is the snow removal work carried out even in heavy snowfalls?

A runway where white snow is scraped away to reveal the black ground.
The passion and professionalism of the "WAX WINGS" team members
In addition, we received comments from the "WAX WINGS" members regarding their thoughts on the activities they are actually involved in.

Behind the scenes of enjoying safe air travel even in the midst of heavy snowfall is the passion and thorough professionalism of our members.
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