Japan to open up airspace; looks at an Asian 'open skies' agreement

It is expected that the 'Asia Gateway Plan' would cut airfares and also stimulate trade.
The Japanese initiative will come in well ahead of a discussion on such an agreement within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is due next year.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Takumi Nemoto, special adviser to Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, said Tokyo wanted to open access for foreign airlines at regional airports. It also wanted to expand operations at Haneda, Tokyo's main domestic airport, and reduce limits on carriers flying from there.

"The aim is to liberalise Japanese airspace. We hope reforms can be carried out that are equal to the international level. The focus is how to maximise benefits for consumers, how to revitalise local regions (in Japan), and continue the growth of the Japanese economy."

Nemoto said that he had had discussions with officials in India, Singapore and elsewhere in Asia.