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To respond to increased demands on air transportation, airport construction
has been carried out in accordance with the "6th Five-Year Plan for Airport
Construction" introduced in 1991. The plan put priority on implementation of
projects at three large airports and also it suggests construction of other
general airports.
New Tokyo International Airport opened its second passenger terminal in
December 1992 in an effort to mitigate congestion. About the confrict concerning
Narita Airport between the Ministry of Transport and local residents, the Ministry
will make its best effort to solve the problem of Narita Airport through communication
with local residents in an effort to obtain their cooperation through round
table talks, etc.
Tokyo International Airport opened its West Terminal in September 1993 as
the second phase of its development program. The third phase of the program
is progressing currently with construction of facilities.
The first stage of construction at Kansai International Airport has been
progressing toward the planned opening in September 1994. As for the overall
concept, investigations and studies are proceeding in accordance with the principle
outlined in the decision of the Cabinet on the sixth five-year plan for airport
construction.
At general airports, plans have been developed for new construction and
extensions of runways at 23 airports, such as Nakashibetsu Airport and Oodate
Noshiro Airport in FY1993. The plans also call for improvement and diversification
of the aviation network and construction and improvement of airports to address
the increasing use of jet engines and of larger aircraft as well as the increasing
demand for air transport.
An air traffic control center will be built for development of a new aviation
safety system in order to respond to expected increases in air transportation
generated by projects at the three large airports.
1. Development of air transportation in Japan
In FY1992, the number of domestic air passengers in Japan was about 69,690
thousand, and the number of international air passengers was about 34,490 thousand,
reflecting a low rate of growth attributed to the economic recession which has
existed since FY1991. The operational deficit of three airline companies, Japan
Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Japan Air System, in FY1992 was about 42.7
billion yen. To increase competition, service by two or three airlines was introduced
on domestic airline service routes with high demand, and introduction of such
competitive service on international routes has also been continued, in order
to improve convenience of service for users.
For local air transport, the Ministry of Transport has been implementing
measures to assure air service to isolated islands and has also been trying
to form local aviation networks applying local ideas for other local areas.
2. Administration of policies on international airfare in line with market
forces
In recent years, with the growth and diversification of travel needs and
the ready availability of information on airline transportation, more attention
is being paid to air fares, and it is becoming more important to respond to
passenger demands regarding air fares where appropriate. Hence, as a concrete
measure, new economy class fares are being introduced and a "zone system" is
being applied to special air fares for international passengers.
3. Reviewing the international air fare system
Responding to the increasing demand for personal travel, a conference on
air fares was held to find ways to alleviate confusion about differences between
approved official fares and actual fares. Development of a rationalized fare
system which is easily understandable to consumers is planned.
4. Strengthening competitiveness of Japanese airline companies
With the continued global recession in the air transport business, it is
urgent that we strengthen the competitiveness of Japanese airlines. These companies
are making improvements in management through such measures as cost cutting.
Plans have also been developed to assure an adequate pool of crew members by
introducing foreign-staffed crews as necessary and to improve efficiency of
operation by utilizing a wet lease system. In September 1993, a question was
submitted to the Council for Civil Aviation regarding measures to strengthen
the competitiveness of Japanese airline companies, and the committee is currently
examining the subject.
5. Improvement of the international aviation network
In order to respond to the diversified needs of travellers, the international
aviation network has been expanded to provide more direct flights and to form
an excursion network. For short-distance international air transport, internationalization
of local airports is being considered in response to growing passenger preferences
for direct flights from local airports to international destinations. The Ministry
is implementing policies to open regular international flights and utilize chartered
international flights using local airports in order to develop demand for travel
in local areas.
6. Events relating to "SKY DAY" and "SKY Campaign"
In accordance with "SKY DAY" and "SKY Campaign," established in 1992, various
events were held as in an educational campaign to enhance public interest in
aviation.
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