Chapter 9. Measures to Develop the Aviation Network
Section 1. Promotion of Airport Development
1. Promotion of Airport Development
Airports are being developed volitionally to meet the rise in aerial transport
demand under the sixth five-year airport development plan determined in FY1991.
2. Construction of the Kansai International Airport
Kansai International Airport was opened on September 4, 1994 as the first
regular airport operable around the clock in Japan. The necessary investigations
on the overall plan are being made in accordance with the cabinet meeting decision
the sixth five-year airport development plan.
3. Development of the New Tokyo (Narita) International Airport
The Narita Airport Roundtable Conference came to an end as constituent members
unanimously accepted the recommendation of the Sumiya Study Group. This turning
point is an opportunity to make a fresh start to co-exist harmoniously with the
local community, for all possible efforts could now be made to pursue the development
of the Airport.
4. Promoting the Offshore Expansion of Tokyo International Airport
Airport facilities are being constructed at Tokyo International Airport under
the Third Phase Plan, including works for development of land.
5. Development of General Airports
As for general airports, runways are to be established and extended at 25
airports in FY1994, including Kushiro Airport and Sendai Airport.
Section 2. Improvement of Air Transport Services
1. The Present Situation of Air Transportation in Japan
In FY1993, the volume of domestic air passenger traffic resulted in the first
yearly decrease in 8 years, down to approximately 69.58 million persons, while
the volume of international air passenger traffic totalled roughly 36 million
persons. Total recurring ordinary losses of Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways
and Japan Air System amounted to some \36billion in FY1993.
2. Enhancing the Competitiveness of Japanese Airlines
Since Japanese airlines need a boost to restore their competitiveness, the
airlines are encouraged to improve their business performance under the Council
for Civil Aviation report issued on June 1994. Extended practices on domestic
airroutes include the promotion of service by two or three airlines on the same
routes and the establishment of a diversified discount-fare system. On international
airroutes, plural-airline services are to be advanced and the new airfare system
propagated to customers.
3. Improvement of the International Aviation Network
The international aviation network of Japan has been improved tremendously,
thanks to the opening of the Kansai International Airport. It is important to
utilize the Airport along with others to meet the diversified needs of users by
expanding the network in the future.[Table17][Fig.69]
4. Evolution of Events on "SKY DAY" and "SKY Campaign"
Following the lead of "SKY DAY" and "SKY Campaign" established in 1992, various
events were held: for instance, junior high-school students were dispatched to
main airports abroad.
