Japan and Australia have signed a new air services agreement, which will radically liberalise airlines’ access to these respective markets. Carriers from each nation will have unlimited market access after aviation authorities agreed to scrap capacity limits. The deal already includes Tokyo’s Haneda airport and will give Australian firms access to smaller Japanese airports as well. Capacity limits on Narita services will be dissolved in 2013. Under the new accord, Australian carriers will also be allowed to fly onto third countries from Japan, making this a highly significant development following Qantas’ intention to expand in the Asian market.
Commenting on the deal, Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said; “This is a breakthrough agreement which will have significant economic benefits for Australia.”
Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson told The Australian newspaper that the deal would significantly boost capacity between the two countries. This would in turn, create opportunities to build on the AU$1.2billion (US$1.2 billion) Japanese tourism market to Australia and support the recovery of Japan’s tourism industry as well.
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