Japan’s airport food packing industry plays a critical role in the aviation sector, supplying in-flight meals and cabin supplies to airlines departing from major airports such as Haneda, Narita, and Kansai International. For foreigners seeking employment in Japan, this sector offers entry-level opportunities through both the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system and direct company hiring. This article provides a comprehensive overview of current vacant positions, salary levels, visa requirements, and application channels for airport food packing jobs in Japan.
Quick Job Overview (Vacant Positions)
The table below summarizes current airport food packing and related positions in Japan, including salary ranges and key requirements.
|
Job Post |
Vacancy Status |
Salary Range |
Location |
Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
In-Flight Meal Preparation Assistant |
Vacant – Hiring |
¥1,200 – ¥1,300/hour |
Haneda, Tokyo |
No experience required |
|
In-Flight Meal Loading Staff |
Vacant – Hiring |
¥200,000 – ¥290,000/month |
Haneda/Narita |
No experience required; driver’s license preferred |
|
Cabin Supplies Set/Inspection |
Vacant – Hiring |
¥1,400 – ¥1,500/hour |
Ota, Tokyo |
No experience required |
|
In-Flight Meal Sorting/Picking |
Vacant – Hiring |
¥1,700/hour |
Narita, Chiba |
No experience required |
|
Production Management Staff (In-Flight Meals) |
Vacant – Hiring |
¥230,000 – ¥350,000/month |
Kansai International Airport |
No experience required; PC skills required |
|
In-Flight Meal Cooking Staff |
Vacant – Hiring |
¥200,000 – ¥250,000/month |
Narita, Chiba |
No experience required |
Table of Contents
- Quick Job Overview (Vacant Positions)
- Understanding Japan’s Airport Food Packing Industry
- Visa and Residency Requirements
- Detailed Requirements by Position
- Salary Structure Explained
- Specified Skilled Worker Examination System
- Job Duties and Skill Requirements
- Pros and Cons
- Career Growth Opportunities
- Interview Preparation
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Application Channels and Helpful Links
- Conclusion
Understanding Japan’s Airport Food Packing Industry
Airport food packing in Japan operates within the aviation catering supply chain, supplying in-flight meals and cabin supplies to airlines. Major employers include JAL Royal Catering (the sole in-flight meal company of the JAL Group), Cosmo Enterprise (a pioneer in international in-flight meals since 1952), TFK Corporation (a member of the Japan Airport Building Group), and AAS Catering (part of the Gourmet Kineya Group) .
Work takes place in large-scale catering factories located near airports, such as the JAL Royal Catering Haneda Factory and the Cosmo Catering Narita Factory . These facilities operate under strict hygiene management protocols, with employees wearing designated hats, sanitary clothing, and masks during work . The work involves preparing, assembling, and packing in-flight meals and cabin supplies according to airline-specific orders and flight schedules.
The industry is characterized by shift work, including early morning, late night, and weekend shifts, as flight schedules operate around the clock. Entry-level positions typically require no prior experience, with companies providing on-the-job training .
Visa and Residency Requirements
For foreigners working in Japanese airport food packing, visa type is a primary consideration.
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – Aviation Field: The aviation field SSW visa covers airport ground handling, including “transport and loading/unloading of in-flight meals” as an additional business category being considered for inclusion . The intake ceiling for the aviation field is 4,400 people cumulative through the end of FY2028 . Requirements include passing the Aviation Field Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 Test and Japanese language ability (JLPT N4 or above, or JFT-Basic). Those who have completed Technical Intern Training Type 2 in related job categories are exempt from the skills test and Japanese language test .
Visas Without Work Restrictions: Permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals, and long-term residents can directly apply for airport food packing positions.
Student Visa/Family Stay: Some positions accept holders of Student visas and Family Stay visas, though working hour restrictions apply.
Technical Intern Training: Entering Japan through the Technical Intern Training system in food manufacturing or related fields, with the option to transition to SSW Type 1 after completion.
Detailed Requirements by Position
In-Flight Meal Preparation Assistant (Haneda, Tokyo)
JAL Royal Catering is recruiting part-time employees for in-flight meal preparation assistance, including washing, cutting, and plating ingredients. No experience required. Working hours are 8:00-18:00 with shift examples, and the position involves standing work. The company is the sole in-flight meal company of the JAL Group, providing meals for JAL international flights and ZIPAIR Tokyo departing from Haneda and Narita airports .
In-Flight Meal Loading Staff (Haneda/Narita)
Cosmo Enterprise and TFK Corporation are recruiting loading staff to transport prepared in-flight meals to aircraft using specialized vehicles (hi-lift trucks) and load them into the cabin. Duties include verifying item lists and quantities against actual loaded items and handing over to cabin crew. A large vehicle driver’s license is advantageous for operating specialized vehicles. No experience required, with fixed routes within the airport restricted area .
Cabin Supplies Set/Inspection (Ota, Tokyo)
Cosmo Enterprise is recruiting part-time staff for setting and inspecting cabin supplies such as plates, glasses, cutlery, and linens. Additional positions include setting and inspecting beverages (alcohol, drinks) and sub-food items. Hourly wage is ¥1,400-¥1,500. No experience or educational requirements .
In-Flight Meal Sorting/Picking (Narita, Chiba)
A major foreign-affiliated in-flight meal manufacturer is recruiting dispatch staff for warehouse light work at Narita Airport. Duties include receiving and inspecting vegetables and fruits, inventory management in refrigerated/frozen warehouses, label application, and transport. Hourly wage is ¥1,700 with no overtime. Foreign nationals are welcome. The workplace offers a cafeteria where employees can enjoy in-flight meal buffets for ¥360 .
Production Management Staff (Kansai International Airport)
AAS Catering, part of the Gourmet Kineya Group, is recruiting full-time production management staff. Duties include instructing and managing partner employees who plate in-flight meals and arrange dishes, cutlery, and oshibori on trays; ingredient inventory management; and production man-hour numerical management. Monthly salary is ¥230,000-¥350,000 with bonuses of 0-2 months (2.56 months in FY2025). No experience required, but PC skills (Excel) and a preference for working with people are required. Company housing is available, and there is no transfer .
Salary Structure Explained
|
Employment Type |
Hourly/Monthly Salary Range |
Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
Part-Time (Preparation Assistant) |
¥1,200 – ¥1,300/hour |
Transportation allowance, social insurance |
|
Part-Time (Supplies Set/Inspection) |
¥1,400 – ¥1,500/hour |
Transportation allowance, station-close location |
|
Dispatch (Sorting/Picking) |
¥1,700/hour |
Transportation allowance, social insurance, cafeteria |
|
Contract Employee (Loading) |
¥200,000 – ¥290,000/month |
Transportation allowance, vehicle commuting allowed |
|
Full-Time (Loading) |
¥213,750 – ¥293,750/month |
Bonus twice yearly, various allowances, social insurance |
|
Full-Time (Production Management) |
¥230,000 – ¥350,000/month |
Bonus, company housing, qualification support, no transfer |
|
SSW (Aviation – Ground Handling) |
¥180,000 – ¥216,300/month gross |
Housing support, social insurance, bonuses |
According to Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) job orders for SSW Aviation Industries, gross monthly salaries range from ¥180,000 to ¥216,300, with net salaries after deductions (tax, social insurance, employment insurance, housing) ranging from approximately ¥137,816 to ¥149,555. Housing service charges of ¥25,000-¥35,000 are deducted monthly .
Specified Skilled Worker Examination System
The Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 test for the aviation field is administered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). For food and beverage manufacturing (relevant for in-flight meal production), OTAFF administers the skills measurement test.
The OTAFF food and beverage manufacturing Type 1 examination is conducted via CBT (Computer-Based Testing). In June 2026, 1,979 candidates took the test, with 1,433 passing. Successful candidates by nationality included Vietnam (638), Indonesia (282), Myanmar (255), China (107), Nepal (47), South Korea (27), and others .
For 2026, domestic examination reservations began on May 25 (corporate registrants) and May 29 (individual registrants), with examinations starting June 23. Applicants must re-register their passport MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) information; failure to do so prevents examination participation .
Japanese language requirements for SSW Type 1 are JFT-Basic (A2.2 or above) or JLPT N4 or above .
Job Duties and Skill Requirements
Entry-level airport food packing work focuses on preparation, plating, inspection, and packing of in-flight meals and cabin supplies. Specific duties include:
In-Flight Meal Preparation: Washing, cutting, and plating ingredients according to airline menu specifications. Workers must follow completed image photographs to arrange ingredients carefully .
Cabin Supplies Set/Inspection: Inspecting and preparing plates, glasses, cutlery, and linens for cabin use. Preparing beverages and sub-food items .
In-Flight Meal Loading: Transporting prepared meals to aircraft using specialized hi-lift trucks, loading into cabin ovens, and verifying item lists against actual loaded quantities .
Sorting/Picking: Receiving and inspecting vegetables and fruits, inventory management in refrigerated/freezer warehouses, label application, and transport .
Food Hygiene Awareness: Strict adherence to hygiene protocols is non-negotiable. Workers must wear designated hats, sanitary clothing, and masks. The work environment is a clean room with temperature control .
Pros and Cons
Pros
Low Entry Barrier: Many positions explicitly state “no experience required” and “no educational requirements.” Companies provide on-the-job training .
Competitive Wages: Hourly wages for sorting/picking reach ¥1,700, higher than many factory positions. Full-time loading staff earn ¥213,750-¥293,750 monthly .
Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time positions offer bonuses twice yearly, various allowances, social insurance, and transportation reimbursement. Some positions provide company housing .
Visa Support: SSW positions offer visa support and housing assistance. Some positions accept holders of visas without work restrictions .
Unique Work Environment: Working near airports and in-flight meal factories offers a unique experience in the aviation industry .
Foreign National Friendly: Some dispatch positions explicitly welcome foreign nationals and offer English-free work environments .
Cons
Shift Work Including Early Morning and Late Night: Airport catering operates according to flight schedules, requiring early morning, late night, weekend, and holiday shifts .
Physical Demands: Work involves prolonged standing, repetitive tasks, and lifting. Warehouse positions involve 1/3 indoor work and significant outdoor work .
Strict Hygiene Requirements: Workers must comply with stringent food safety protocols, including designated clothing, masks, and frequent sanitation routines .
Location: Factories are located at or near airports (Haneda, Narita, Kansai), which may require long commutes.
Japanese Language Requirements: Even entry-level positions typically require basic Japanese ability for communication and safety instructions.
Career Growth Opportunities
Career development in airport food packing follows a defined path:
Entry Level (Preparation Assistant, Inspection Staff): Learn basic food preparation, plating, and inspection according to airline specifications. Hourly wage ¥1,200-¥1,500 .
Mid-Level (Loading Staff, Team Member): After 1-2 years, transition to loading operations, including specialized vehicle operation (with license) and coordination with cabin crew. Monthly salary ¥200,000-¥290,000 .
Supervisory Level (Production Management): With experience, move into production management, including instructing and managing partner employees, inventory management, and production man-hour control. Monthly salary ¥230,000-¥350,000. AAS Catering offers full-time positions with bonuses and company housing .
SSW Type 2: For SSW holders, after accumulating experience and passing the Type 2 examination, workers can engage in management responsibilities requiring 2+ years of practical experience .
Interview Preparation
Airport food packing interviews are typically conducted in Japanese, with basic conversation ability sufficient.
Common Interview Questions:
“Tell me about yourself.” Prepare a concise self-introduction in Japanese covering your background, Japanese level, and interest in airport food service.
“Can you work early morning and late night shifts?” Airport catering operates according to flight schedules. Confirm your willingness to work flexible shifts.
“Do you have food hygiene knowledge?” Reference understanding of hand washing, disinfection, uniform wearing, and food safety protocols.
“Do you have a driver’s license?” For loading positions, a large vehicle license is advantageous for operating specialized vehicles .
“Are you comfortable standing for long periods?” Work involves prolonged standing and repetitive tasks.
Preparation Tips: Bring all original documents for verification. Dress neatly. For JAL Royal Catering positions, note that the Haneda Factory tour and interview session requires wearing designated hats, sanitary clothing, and masks provided on-site .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for airport food packing jobs without knowing Japanese?
A: Basic Japanese ability is typically required for communication and safety instructions. SSW positions require JLPT N4 or above. Some dispatch positions welcome foreign nationals but still require basic communication ability .
Q: What is the application process for SSW Aviation Field?
A: Pass the Aviation Field Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 Test and Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic). Find a receiving company, which applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). After obtaining the COE, apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy .
Q: What is the approximate salary for airport food packing jobs?
A: Part-time positions pay ¥1,200-¥1,700 per hour. Full-time loading staff earn ¥200,000-¥293,750 monthly. Production management positions earn ¥230,000-¥350,000 monthly. SSW gross salaries range from ¥180,000 to ¥216,300 monthly .
Q: Do I need to pay agency fees?
A: Legitimate employers do not require workers to pay “guaranteed employment” fees. For SLBFE-registered job orders, maximum agency fees are specified (Rs. 854,906 to Rs. 1,106,027 for SSW Aviation positions). Charging more than the specified amount is a punishable offense .
Q: What are the working hours?
A: Shift work including early morning, late night, weekends, and holidays. Part-time positions typically work 7-8 hours with breaks. Full-time positions operate on rotating shifts .
Application Channels and Helpful Links
Official Examination and Information:
Specified Skilled Worker Comprehensive Support Website: ssw.go.jp — Official information on Aviation Field SSW (Japanese and English)
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: mlit.go.jp — Aviation Field SSW system information
OTAFF (Organization for Technical Skills Evaluation of Foreign Food Industry): otaff.or.jp — Food and beverage manufacturing skills test registration and information
Job Search Platforms:
Hello Work: hellowork.mhlw.go.jp — Japanese public employment security office. JAL Royal Catering positions available through Hello Work Omori
Randstad Japan: randstad.co.jp — Dispatch positions for in-flight meal sorting/picking at Narita
Rework (Nexly): rework.nexly.co.jp — SSW Airport Ground Handling positions
Recruitment Information References:
JAL Royal Catering (Haneda Factory): Part-time positions for meal preparation, supplies set/inspection. Contact Hello Work Omori for tour and interview sessions
Cosmo Enterprise (Haneda/Narita): Loading staff and supplies set/inspection positions
TFK Corporation (Haneda/Narita): In-flight meal loading staff, full-time positions
AAS Catering (Kansai International Airport): Production management staff, full-time positions
Conclusion
Japan’s airport food packing industry offers accessible employment opportunities for foreigners, particularly through part-time and dispatch positions that require no prior experience. Current vacant positions range from meal preparation assistants at ¥1,200-¥1,300 per hour to sorting/picking staff at ¥1,700 per hour, and full-time loading positions at ¥213,750-¥293,750 monthly. For those seeking long-term career growth, production management positions at Kansai International Airport offer ¥230,000-¥350,000 monthly with company housing and no transfer requirement .
The key to success in this sector lies in basic Japanese communication ability, willingness to work flexible shifts, and strict adherence to food hygiene standards. For foreigners with SSW visas, the aviation field offers a defined pathway with housing support and social insurance. Always apply through official channels or registered employment agencies, and be aware of specified maximum agency fees for SSW positions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The application process is free of cost; beware of fraudulent recruiters. Always verify job postings through official channels and never share personal financial information with unauthorized parties.