Japan pushes for Asian 'open skies'

Tokyo: The Japanese Government is planning to ease access for international carriers to the country's regional airports in the hope of precipitating the equivalent of an EU-US "open skies" deal.
The Asia Gateway Plan would cut ticket prices and stimulate trade.
It would be the most radical liberalisation of its highly regulated skies that Japan has undertaken in decades. Officials hope it will help spur an open skies agreement within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), due for discussion next year.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Takumi Nemoto, special adviser to 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."
Mr Nemoto said that in addition to encouraging an ASEAN agreement, it was also hoped the plan would prompt other countries to reciprocate. Mr Nemoto said he had had discussions with officials in India, Singapore and elsewhere in Asia.
02/04/07 Mariko Sanchanta/The Australian, Australia

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Categories: Foreign Apr 2007