ANA left Shizuoka with deficit in 2017; airline reorganization caused by ``busy business without profits''

Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport is said to be "Japan's closest airport to Mt. Fuji." On September 27th, about 30 parents and children surrounded an All Nippon Airways (ANA) Boeing 737. This is an ``aviation class'' opened by ANA.

"After takeoff, the landing gear is stored here. It's a place you wouldn't normally see."

Sitting next to the children's eyes shining as they listened to the explanations from the pilot and flight attendants from Shizuoka, high school teacher Mikihiro Kinoshita (44) had mixed feelings.

I have often used ANA not only for family trips but also for previews of school trips. On this day as well, I participated with my son, a 6th grade elementary school student who aims to become an air traffic controller. "I was proud that Japan's flagship was flying from Shizuoka. I miss it."

ANA announced its effective withdrawal from Shizuoka Airport in January of this year. The two lines connecting Naha and New Chitose (Hokkaido) have been suspended since October, and there is no prospect of their reopening. The parent-child class Kinoshita attended was held four days before ANA withdrew.

Since the port opened, it has never turned a profit.