Research and Development Center

Investigative Research into the aviations Ⅰ

1. Study of American Airport Construction and Development Subsidy Schemes
In the U.S., the Airport and Airway Trust Fund has been set up to financially support infrastructure for aviation. It resembles the Airport Development Special Account of Japan, but the type of tax revenue and method of spending are quite different. Meanwhile, the federal subsidy scheme based on this Fund plays a big part in airport construction in the U.S. Against this background, the JAL Foundation and Yai Laboratory of the Tokyo Institute of Technology have begun joint research into the following topics.
1) History of U.S. airport construction and development subsidy schemes
2) Revenue sources for the U.S. Airport and Airway Trust Fund
3) Practical use of small-sized aircraft and AIP (Airport Improvement Program)
4) Field surveys of U.S. airports
5) Comparative study of Japan's airport development scheme

In January 2005., we visited America, achieved the results we had participated from the field surveys of the airports and submitted a final report in March.

2. Support for "Shizuoka Airport Regional Airline Research Committee"
In preparation for the opening of Shizuoka Airport, Shizuoka Prefecture established the "Shizuoka Airport Regional Airline Research Committee" in 2004. The JAL Foundation, which supports the Committee, carried out simulations on the profitability of special flight routes at the request of Shizuoka Prefecture and provided the results of our analysis.

3. Lectures
The following lectures were held in 2004.
1) October 13, 2004- "Changes in Aircraft and Airport Development"
2) February 1, 2005- "The History of Civil Aircraft Development and Future Aircraft Development"
3) March 12, 2005- "Examination on Transforming the Airline Business into a Space Travel Business"

Investigative Research into the aviations Ⅱ

Research into Suitability of Operating Environmentally-Friendly High-Performance Small-Sized Aircraft by Domestic Airlines
In order to examine aircraft specifications required for operating environmentally-friendly high-performance small-sized aircraft by domestic airlines, we conducted a comparative study of the flight routes and flight models of regional airlines using current aircraft, and examined the requirements for aircraft specifications.
Awareness Survey of Korean Visitors to Japan Regarding Tourism, etc.
In constructing airports in the future, it is necessary to improve the quality of airports in terms of both hardware and software, and enhance user convenience and air transport services. To study the necessary measures, we conducted a fact-finding survey of international air passengers regarding their individual background, domestic and international flows, reasons for selection of airports and such.

Preliminary Research for International Airport Symposium 2004 at Kansai International Airport
From September 16th－17th, the "International Airport Symposium 2004" was held under the theme, "The Role and Operational Strategies of International Gateway Airports in the Future", at Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport. Case studies and research findings on airline demand trends and the environment of international gateway airports were reported, and a panel discussion was held on "Airport Development and Airport Operations in the Future". The JAL Foundation conducted a preliminary research of the following topics for this symposium.

-Summary of demand forecasts on airline passengers and air cargo transport of various institutions
-Study of China's aviation policies.
-Creation of an area map of Japanese gateway airports by time and distance.

Environment and Recycling

Research and Development into Recycling Systems for the Air Transport Sector
Producing large polyethylene garbage bags, made from recycled materials, for cabin use We conducted research on the production of large garbage bags, made of recycled materials from polyethylene sheets used for packing air cargo, for cabin use. After producing three samples, we finally developed a sample strong enough for practical use

Recycling of in-flight magazines at Narita Collaborating with General
Affairs, Narita Airport Office and other sections, we conducted research on the collection and recycling of monthly in-flight magazines and built a recycling system．

Our Research Programs
・ Analysis of social contribution activities by major domestic enterprises
・ Present situation and countermeasures of environmental problems such as global warming, energy/water crisis
・ Moves in Japan and overseas regarding the Kyoto Protocol.
・ The relationship between environmental problems and the airline industry from the viewpoint of environmental NPOs in Europe
・ Information-gathering on IT contributions toward the development of a sustainable society

Ongoing and Future Surveys, Research and Activities
・ Research and activities to protect the natural environment, forestation and regeneration of marine plant life.
・ Information-gathering on activities in Japan and abroad after the enactment of the Kyoto Protocol
・ Research on activities for environmental issues in Japan and abroad, and their correlation with the air transport industry ・ Communication of JAL Group activities for environmental issues

Tourism Studies and Action Plans

Tourism promotion plays an important role in not only generating economic effects, but also creating a co-existing society where people around the world can live together in harmony through mutual understanding. Through tourism, one can encounter beautiful nature and wonderful cultures, and gain vitality for tomorrow. Its effectiveness is endless.

Areas of Research
-Research into the "Universalism of Travel" increasing opportunities for all people to enjoy
the wonders of travel.
-Research on environmental impacts of mass-tourism and research into the preservation and restoration of tourism destinations.
-Research into tourism that has healing effects on the mind and body, such as "Health Tourism" focused around hot springs, and "Slow Tourism" where one can become familiar with a particular area.

Areas of Activities
・ Delivered a lecture at Suzuka International University, and conveyed contributions of tourism to society.
・ Carried out activities to support tourism-focused town development in Kumamoto, Amakusa region as a model zone.
・ Cooperated with the regional renewal project of Regional Comprehensive Development Foundation, and submitted t　several　 proposals.
・ Participated in a regional promotion survey of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport,　conducted surveys and submitted proposals on Ishinomaki City as a model zone.
・ Provided training in social manners and hospitality to young people, ambitious to work in the airline industry, at Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch.

The JAL Foundation believes tourism brings happiness and revitalizes regions, We conduct research, submit proposals and conduct activities to make tourism a part of our daily lives.

Thinking about the Landscape

As a fresh new project for the JAL Foundation, from 2004 we started to tackle landscape issues. From December 17th 2004, the "Landscape Law" came into enforcement, making it remarkable easier to promote to various local governments the maintenance and development of landscapes in their regions. However, there are concerns that the disparity between towns and villages that proactively tackle these problems, and those that do not, will greatly increase.

The citizens who live and work in their regions hold a vital key to the maintenance and improvement of the landscape, and in a stroke of good fortune, recently their activities in various regions around Japan continue to draw attention, at times even moving local governments. It's important to start with what can be done. One such initiative for landscape based community regeneration is clearing up the garbage from one's region. This can be done by anyone, from as soon as the following day. Even if the region you live and work in has no great historical or cultural assets, there should not be any objection towards making it a more beautiful place.

We at this foundation, wish for more people to take an active interest in the landscape. In accordance with this, we have started to introduce successful cases of "Landscape based Community Development & Regeneration" through our website. We will report focusing on the people, both citizens and members of local government, who are positively tackling landscape issues. As for future developments, we will continue to investigate case examples, and receive opinions from intellectuals and experts.

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