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Air services between Hong Kong and Japanese cities (except Tokyo) are no longer subject to any capacity restriction, a key achievement in the air services consultation between Hong Kong and Japan concluded in Hong Kong today (January 31).
Ms Eva Cheng, Secretary for Transport and Housing, said she was very pleased with this major step forward in Hong Kongˇ¦s aviation relationship with Japan, following recent substantial liberalisation of the air services arrangements with the Mainland and India. This will strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international and regional aviation hub.
Our airlines will be able to respond to market demand by increasing services to Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai and Okinawa, and launching new services to Kagoshima, Okayama and other destinations.
ˇ§The travelling public will no doubt benefit from more competitive services to existing and new destinations. Trade, investment and tourism ties between Hong Kong and Japan will also be strengthened,ˇ¨ Ms Cheng said.
The Government will seek to increase the air services between Hong Kong and Tokyo (at which airport expansion works are under way) in the next round of air services consultation with the Japanese Government.
At present, the following air services are provided:
(a) airlines of Hong Kong provide 42 weekly passenger services between Hong Kong and Tokyo; 61 weekly passenger services between Hong Kong and Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Sendai and Okinawa; 12 weekly cargo services between Hong Kong and Tokyo; 21 weekly cargo services between Hong Kong and Osaka and Nagoya; and
(b) airlines of Japan provide 28 weekly passenger services between Hong Kong and Tokyo; 14 weekly passenger services between Hong Kong and Osaka; 22 weekly cargo services from Hong Kong to Tokyo and 12 weekly cargo services from Tokyo to Hong Kong; and 4 weekly cargo services from Hong Kong to Osaka and to Nagoya and 18 weekly cargo services from Osaka or Nagoya to Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, January 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:00
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