Results
 

Following the opening remarks by Chairman Shukuri, we received honorable guest remarks from Ambassador Sugiyama and DOS Deputy Assistant Secretary Yon. Then, lectures were given on the current status and future prospects of US and Japan civil aviation and airports by MLIT Assistant Vice-Minister Horiuchi, DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary Short, and Narita Airport Corp. President & CEO Tamura.

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[Key Points of the Lecture by MLIT Assistant Vice-Minister Jotaro Horiuchi]

•  Since 2010, the number of air passengers has increased by 35% between Europe and Asia, 42% between Europe and North America, and 62% between North America and Asia. The “Visit Japan Campaign,” which started in 2003, has been contributing to promotional efforts to attract tourists to Japan.

• Both Haneda and Narita airports are working to expand their functions. In particular, Narita Airport is planning on constructing a third runway, and will see a 60% increase in take-offs/landings by the late 2020s.  If taking into consideration the operations of both airports, it is expected that the number of take-offs/landings will reach about 1 million annually.  Expansions to increase functionality and facility upgrades are also being carried out at airports in various locations such as Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka and Shin-Chitose.

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[Key Points of the Lecture by DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary David Short]

• US-Japan aviation has a long history, and both parties have continued to remove obstacles by deepening cooperation between the two countries. In 2010, the US-Japan Open Skies Agreement came into effect, and has contributed to a reduction in aviation costs by over 21% and increased the number of inbound and outbound flights by 26%.  An expansion of international flights at Haneda Airport will contribute to the Japanese government’s goal of attracting tourists by connecting those flights with domestic ones throughout Japan.

• Despite the growth of direct flights to Southeast Asian countries, Tokyo continues to thrive as a gateway.  Operational efficiency is expected to increase due to further privatization and deregulation of the Japanese aviation industry.

 

[Key Points of the Lecture by Narita Airport Corp. President and CEO Akihiko Tamura]

• Passenger traffic in Asia is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of above 5% over the next 20 years, many airports in Asia are planning to expand their functions.

• This means an increased opportunity for air transport services as well as an intensification of competition between airports.  In particular, the LCC market in Northeast Asia has great growth potential.

• At the same time as Narita Airport is planning on opening its new third runway, it is also scheduled to expand its runways and broaden airport business hours. In addition, Narita Airport has strived to improve customer experiences, introduce face recognition check-ins, and facilitate security lines.

 

[Panel Discussion Points]
The panelists and moderators discussed topics such as “What is the most crucial strategy for the growth of civil aviation in the Asia-Pacific region?”. Opinions were exchanged and a lively discussion was held on the future of international civil aviation in the Asia-Pacific region, including questions from the audience.