More signs have emerged that Japan is easing its traditionally protectionist air services regime with a more liberal bilateral agreement with Singapore.
The two countries met recently and agreed to nearly double the number of passenger flights that can be operated to and from the capital Tokyo. Perhaps more surprising, however, is the fact that the new agreement allows for unlimited passenger and cargo flights between Singapore and all other cities in Japan.
Japan has traditionally maintained a strict air services regime but it has been progressively easing some of its restrictions. Last year, for example, it surprised many observers by agreeing a highly liberal air services agreement with South Korea that was dubbed by many as the country's first "Open Skies" accord.
The breakthrough agreement was similar to the one recently agreed with Singapore: it allows airlines from each side to operate an unlimited number of flights to and from any international airport in the other country, with the exception of the two airports serving Tokyo, both of which are at capacity.
With Singapore, the new agreement also allows airlines to serve both airports in Tokyo, although flights between Singapore and Haneda will only be allowed between 22:00 and 07:00 after a new runway opens at Haneda in October 2010. Four daily flights will be allowed to and from Haneda, says the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
More flights will be allowed between Singapore and Narita after an extended runway opens at the congested facility in March 2010. In addition, the new agreement allows Singaporean airlines to operate passenger flights beyond the Japanese cities of Osaka and Nagoya to the USA, while Japanese carriers will be able to operate beyond Singapore to India and the Middle East.
Source: Airline Business
