On January 31, Airport Authority Hong Kong welcomed the conclusion of the latest round of air services consultations between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Government of Japan.

The new arrangements enable unlimited air passenger and cargo services between Hong Kong and all cities in Japan except Tokyo. Our airlines will be able to respond to market demand by increasing services to Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai and Okinawa. The arrangements also permit the launch of new services between Hong Kong and other Japanese destinations, including Kagoshima and Okayama.

In addition to enhancing Hong Kong's access to the world's second largest economy, the new arrangements strengthen the position of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a leading regional and international aviation hub.

Airport Authority Hong Kong's Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said, "Japan and Hong Kong are major trading partners and there are strong tourist flows between both destinations. The new arrangements create additional opportunities for airlines serving the passenger and freight markets and will encourage carriers to provide more schedule and fare choices for their customers."

In 2007, 3.9 million passengers travelled on routes between Hong Kong and Japan, up 5% from 2006. Each week, a total of 154 passenger flights and 59 freighter services operate from HKIA to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai and Okinawa.