## 3 ) Current status of Kansai International Airport and Central Japan International Airport

Kansai International Airport has become the first international airport capable of operating round-the-clock in Japan since the $ 2^{nd} $ runway was in service in 2007. In April 2009, at the same time as the $ 2^{nd} $ phase International Cargo Area was in service, the improvement of accessibility was carried out through reducing the tolls of the airport access bridge. Also, the reinforcement of international competitiveness is being worked on continuously.

Central Japan International Airport works on being more user-friendly through the development of the international business jet hanger and further demand expansion.

## 4 ) Development of general airports

For general airports, the emphasis has shifted to quality enhancement focusing on the effective utilization of existing airports. Moreover, new projects related to additional runway construction and existing runway extensions will be restricted only to truly necessary items. In FY 2009, three new airport construction projects and two runway extension projects were implemented and the renewal and reformation for the functionality maintenance of existing airports are being carried out. Moreover, for the drastic improvement of airport capacity, Fukuoka Airport is reviewing the proposal of additional runway construction in the airport based on a comprehensive investigation, while Naha Airport is reviewing the specific facility arrangements regarding the proposal on new runway construction by the seaside that is 1,310m away from the existing runway.

## 5 ) Projects on enhancing the functional quality of airports

In order to improve the convenience of airport users as well as to reinforce international and regional competitiveness, projects on enhancing the functional quality of airports for rearranging or developing passenger terminals, improving serviceability, reinforcing air logistics functions and building barrier-free airports are being pushed forward.

## (6) Development of air traffic systems

## 1 ) Improving operation efficiency

From September 2007, Area Navigation (RNAV) routes based on the standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) were introduced one by one. It is expected that this will expand capacity by multiplying flight routes, reduce flight times and fuel cost by shortening routes and improve airport service rates by improving operating conditions. In addition, at the same time as carrying out the optimization of airspace structure using simulations and the flexible utilization of training airspace for the Self-Defense Forces, the functionality of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) Center, such as the forecast of traffic flow and volume and the improvement of control accuracy, is enhanced and reinforced. Also, the congestion relaxation of national air routes and the reduction of airborne holding are being planned for through performing detailed traffic management.

## 2 ) Construction of new Air Traffic Systems

Currently, the existing system has reached its limit in terms of responding to the foreseeable long-term increase of air traffic demand and diversified needs. Furthermore, Europe and America have worked out plans for a comprehensive and globally harmonized interoperability called Air Traffic Management (ATM) that focuses on the situation of 2025 and after. Therefore, industry, academia and government organized a study group and compiled a long-term vision named CARATS $ ^{1} $ , for the purpose of establishing highly comprehensive support systems for operation, controllers and pilots through precise management of position and time.

## Section 2 – Cooperation Reinforcement for Multi-modal Traffic Organizations

### 1. Construction of Multi-Modal Traffic Systems

A multi-modal traffic system is a traffic system that provides an efficient and good traffic environment through the cooperation of multiple traffic organizations. It aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of our country and provide a door-to-door service in an environmentally-friendly way and at an appropriate cost. In order to push forward these multi-modal measures, improvements in speed and smoothness of transportation connections/transshipment by focusing on cooperative development of roads and railways connecting airports, harbors, ports, railway stations and high-standard expressways are being worked out.

### 2. Enhancement of Transportation Access to Airports

Regarding the transportation time from the city center to the airport, it takes over 50 minutes to reach Narita International Airport, which is the longest among the world's major countries, while it takes only around 30 minutes for other main world airports (London, Paris, Hong Kong, etc). In order to work out improvements of convenience and the enhancement of international competitiveness, it is necessary to shorten transportation time to a great extent. Therefore, the development of the Narita Rapid Rail Access connecting Narita International Airport and the Hokusō-Railway is being carried out. After the scheduled opening of the Narita Rapid Raid Access in 27 $ ^{th} $ July 2010, the time taken to travel between the city centre and Narita International Airport will be shortened to around 30 minutes. Also, the renovation of Nippori Station (Keisei Electric Railway) was implemented for improving transfer convenience.

Moreover, in order to enhance access to the airport by automobiles, the development and improvement of expressway