Universal Aviation, the aircraft ground-handling arm of Universal Weather and Aviation, reports that multiple fuel suppliers at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (RJTT) are now declining to refuel aircraft with passengers onboard, thus lengthening the time for turning around the aircraft.
According to Universal Aviation Japan, this new practice is due to safety concerns outlined in the local suppliers’ agreements that prohibit refueling with passengers onboard. Universal Aviation Japan is working with local fuel suppliers to understand why this decision is being implemented and if any suppliers will continue to refuel with passengers onboard at RJTT. So far, it said, the answer is no.
The company noted that this restriction is only in effect at RJTT, but it believes that it will soon be adopted at other airports across Japan and it is closely monitoring the situation to see where and when it spreads. In the meantime, Universal is advising operators to plan accordingly and verify refueling policies at their destination airport in Japan.