ANA Maintenance Hangar Tour

Back in early April of this year, I was able to (finally!) join my friend in touring the ANA maintenance hanger attached to Haneda airport, in Tokyo. This tour requires a reservation; however, due to its popularity, most have to book three months in advance. Because my friend and I do not work on Tuesdays, we were able to fill in for a sudden cancellation.

We arrived early to receive our ID pass; soon after, we moved to a large presentation room, where we were treated to a talk about ANA's history, their various airplanes, how airplanes fly (in particular, the engine & wing shape), as well as two short quizzes regarding the content of the presentation. This seminar was in Japanese only; however, it was quite easy to follow. At the end of the presentation, we were invited to lift a new carbon fiber wing component seen on the 787 Dreamliner, and compare that with the older type. The older one was much heavier!!

Lifting carbon fiber wings/ Gundam / Cutenekko/ 

Inisde the presentation room:

Following the Power Point presentation, we were escorted out and given hard hats. Guided by a new tour leader, we entered the cold maintenance hangar, first, from above, and then proceeded to floor level. We were lucky as on this day, two things were in our favor: first, the hangar doors were open (rare, according to the guide) and two planes were in the hangar (also, very rare). 

The space inside was immense; perhaps much larger than several American football fields. I enjoyed taking lots of photos here and captured several maintenance workers atop an engine.

Hangar (center + left view)/ 786 plane / workers

tail/ our tour group / Hangar (right)

At ground level, it was incredible to view each aircraft up close. We were able to walk around and under the planes, as well as view the massive engines up close. All the while, our leader explained the various features of the plane, its statistics, etc. By tour's end, we were told to enjoy the landing strip of Haneda airport from the hangar doors. It was quite spectacular; even more so, as the guide knew every plane (including the company & from which destination) as they roared home.   

Full plane / Cutenekko & friend in front of the 786

aircraft engine / a plane coming home:

This tour was absolutely free and a great way to spend a rainy day. For those who are interested, or have some time before departing from Haneda airport, why not make a reservation to join this tour? 

Happy flying! 

Information: 

ANA Maintenance Hangar Tour info HERE. (Japanese only) 

Currently, the next possible date open for a tour is November 26, 2015. (VIEW) --> You should book at least four months in advance to guarantee a spot! 

Reservations REQUIRED.

Four tours are available: 

1st／10:00～11:30

2nd／13:00～14:30

3rd／14:00～15:30

4th／15:00～16:30

Cost

Free! Young children especially welcome.

Tip

For English speakers, try contacting an ANA agent (via the website HERE). He/She may be able to make a reservation for you on the website. 

Note

The tour is in Japanese only. There are no English translators available.