ATG’s Journey: Navigating Japan’s Business Aviation Landscape

• ATG

All Time Ground Service Co.,Ltd. (ATG) provides comprehensive aviation services, including ground service coordination for all business jets arriving in Japan and charter arrangements both domestically and internationally. Kathy Xia, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of ATG, established the company in 2023 and has steadily built ATG’s presence within Japan’s evolving business aviation industry into a trusted provider.

While ATG is still a relatively young company, it has made remarkable progress within just three years. A significant milestone was securing operating rights at eight major airports across Japan, such as Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Kansai International Airport (KIX), Narita International Airport (NRT), within two years, an accomplishment that typically takes much longer in such a regulated market. This achievement underscores the trust ATG has built with airport authorities and regulatory bodies, due to its professionalism, compliance, and transparent processes.

Japan is a leading global destination for business and tourism, as well as a vital transit hub for long-haul flights. According to Asian Sky Quarterly Q4 2025, Tokyo ranked fourth among the top ten departure cities in Asia-Pacific, with 3,818 flights from January 2025 to December 2025.

ATG was established with a clear mission: to serve as a bridge between international operators and Japan’s complex regulatory environment, offering tailored ground handling services that prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Xia, who previously worked for other ground handling firms, recognised the challenges faced by international operators in navigating Japan’s strict regulations, slot allocations, and local airport procedures. The company’s goal was to create a more flexible, transparent, and supportive platform that could streamline operations and foster trust.

Within this international environment, ATG is staffed by experienced professionals across eight locations throughout Japan, all of whom are available 24/7 to welcome its clients. Xia states that’s where the company gets its name from, “All Time Ground Service,” reflecting its commitment to operational readiness 24/7, emphasising timely service and responsiveness.

Beyond the eight owned locations or airports that it directly holds operating rights, the company also supports aircraft at additional local airports through third-party partnerships, meaning clients can request coverage in both major hubs and smaller regional markets. ATG not only manages ramp and departure logistics, but the company also acts as a charter broker and aircraft sales broker. Xia notes that while Japan’s charter demand can be more gradual than other regions, ATG expects the market to expand and wants to be positioned to support clients across a wider range of operating needs in Japan.

When asked where ATG has seen the most growth, Xia highlighted a shift driven largely by post-COVID market dynamics. According to the Asia-Pacific Charter Report, from mid-2022 to mid-2023, the charter fleet in Northeast Asia increased by five aircraft, all of which were contributions from Japan. Japan’s business jet charter fleet increased by 29.4% per cent in 2023 compared with 2022. Japan’s fleet then increased by 10 aircraft, making it a 41.7% increase in mid-2025 from mid-2023.

A key change Xia described is the frequency of lastminute requests. Charter operators are finalising pricing and securing aircraft availability later than before, which pushes clients toward booking windows of one or two days, sometimes closer. The market has become more competitive and time-sensitive, an operational reality that affects every stage of ground handling, coordination, slot requests, and communication with authorities and airport stakeholders.

Xia notes that the future of Japanese business aviation will likely see more long-range aircraft registered and operated domestically, further boosting demand for ground handling services. Additionally, upcoming developments such as the opening of the Osaka casino and potential regulatory easing could boost activity in the Kansai region, which currently sees fewer flights compared to Tokyo’s airports.

Despite its successes, ATG faces several operational challenges typical of Japan’s aviation landscape. Slot availability remains a persistent issue, especially at Haneda, which is a highly congested airport with limited slots. Managing regional airports introduces additional complexities, such as limited parking bays, equipment shortages, and CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) restrictions that only operate during daytime hours. To mitigate these challenges, Xia emphasises meticulous coordination, proactive planning, and close communication with clients and authorities. For example, it has developed internal flight check systems to track each step of ground operations, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Regulatory requirements also impact operations. Recently, Japan has simplified certain processes, such as reducing the documentation needed for charter permits and reviewing parking restrictions, making it easier for operators like ATG to facilitate flights smoothly. Still, navigating Japan’s regulatory environment requires experience and familiarity, which ATG’s leadership leverages to maintain compliance while optimising service delivery.

Looking ahead, ATG’s leadership remains committed to safety and regulatory compliance, stability, and sustainable growth within Japan. While international expansion is considered a long-term goal, the immediate focus is on consolidating its position in the Japanese market and enhancing service quality. As the company matures, it plans to offer additional value-added services, such as travel arrangements, hotel bookings, and real-time news updates about Japan.

ATG’s story reflects strategic vision, operational excellence, and resilience. Its success is rooted in an understanding of Japan’s unique regulatory environment, industry experience, and a customer-centric approach.

By prioritising safety, compliance, and timely service, ATG has quickly established itself as a trusted partner in Japan’s growing business aviation landscape.

Looking forward, the company aims to continue its growth trajectory by strengthening ties with airport authorities, expanding its service portfolio, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Its long-term vision is to be the industry’s leading ground handling provider in Japan – a long-term partner for international operators navigating the complexities of Japan’s business aviation market.

ATG atg-fbo.co.jp/en/