SadhanaOriental Meditation and Christian Prayer
Contemplation in action
ーIn relation with othersー
[16]Discovering – 1 (Narita Airport)
Assume you visit a terminal building at Narita Airport with a person who is departing for a trip overseas. Over 60 airlines fly into Narita Airport from all over the world. The terminal has seemingly nearly 100 check-in counters, where well-trained customer service staff of each airline handles complex procedures. Thanks to their efforts, passengers can travel even to the other side of the globe in a reserved seat with meals, and their suitcases and baggage are transported safely.
Aircrafts are prepared thoroughly at the airport before a long flight. Staff cleans up after in-flight service for the previous flight, disposes of trash, cleans lavatories, organizes and cleans seats, confirms the safety of the aircraft, puts fuel, and supplies water and in-flight meals. Airport workers also make sure that they have sufficient fuel, water, and food at the airport so that each flight is supplied with necessities. On average, 500 aircrafts depart from/arrive at Narita Airport every day. Staff needs to keep supporting these flights.
Passengers have pleasant impression on the capabilities and skills of cabin crews who they can directly interact with on a plane. In addition, we can see the significant efforts and dedication of the background staff members who we cannot see.
As for entry/departure of passengers, a system is in place for travel permission check, security check, and customs issue. On average, 90,000 people depart from/arrive at the airport every day. To handle these people, adequate procedures and facilities should be in place and dedicated effort of staff at each department should be maintained. While handling entry/departure of travelers is an important job, there are also a considerable amount of complex jobs regarding handling baggage and cargos. Cargos need to go through not only customs but also quarantine.
Many airport users travel abroad to start a new life (or return by finishing their life overseas). As a gateway for them, the airport needs to have many facilities to support their entry/departure process, including restaurants, banks, postal offices, clinics, nursing rooms, playing area for children, shower rooms, rest rooms, baggage storage, parcel delivery desks, and so on.
And the airport has a huge site area and buildings. In the large area, two runways, air traffic control system, terminal shuttle buses, cargo trucks, fuel trucks, water trucks, tarmac, maintenance factory, and other facilities are ready to be used daily.
In such a large number of facilities and work processes, no failure or defect is allowed. Any failure or defect may cause a major trouble or malfunction across this huge airport. Well-trained staff keeps fulfilling his/her duty steadily and carefully.
Travelers who depart from or arrive at the airport with significant life change receive unique and pleasant service that is slightly different from service available at other public facilities. Because it is a big project to trip overseas, many travelers want support. To fully meet their needs, check-in counter staff, cabin attendants, those who are in charge of handling baggage, airport information service staff, and even janitors show them hospitality.
The above example could also be depicted as follows: Hikers carry their backpacks and walk in the woods. (Because these travelers travel abroad, their backpacks are rather heavy.) The forest is filled with pleasant trees. Each tree is carefully maintained. Good trees are planted in the right places. The trail is leveled so that people can walk without difficulty. Even running water is available, and birds’ beautiful singing comforts travelers.
The great thing about this forest is that each tree is well trained and has professional attitude and skills. And all the airport workers are committed to offering customer service by representing the nation and hope for passengers’ “bon voyage.” The forest consisting of a large number of trees works in perfect harmony. They demonstrate their own skills, professional attitude, and virtue freely.
At Narita Airport, many facilities and departments are maintained and controlled well, and numerous workers fulfill their duties with generous hospitality. It is inspiring to see such a great achievement in the human world. When we observe this place carefully with an open mind, we can see that God’s hands are helping these airport workers deep in their heart so that they can develop such good faith, devotion, and hospitality.