## (3) Driving technical development

## ① Superconducting maglev trains

Running tests for superconducting maglev trains which had been carried out on the Yamanashi Test Line since 1997. The Superconducting Magnetic Levitation Technological Practicality Evaluation Committee that met in July 2009 concluded that “the development of the technologies prerequisite to driving superconducting maglev trains to the stage of practical usefulness, including their operation as super-fast mass transit system, are in sight.” The Yamanashi Test Line is now being stretched and renewed. When the works are completed, running tests will be conducted to make a final validation of the working specifications, including rolling stock and propelling coils.

## ② Gauge changeable trains (Free gauge trains)

Regarding free gauge trains ready for through operation between Shinkansen and conventional railway lines, the Gauge Change Technology Evaluation Committee evaluated at its meeting in October 2011 that “technologies relating to the basic running performance of free gauge trains that recommends their practical usefulness have already been established.” The Ministry now aims to verify the durability of free gauge trains by launching three-mode durability testing, in which free gauge trains are subjected to iterative cycles of running on Shinkansen, gauge change and running on conventional railway lines by using new test stocks that are currently being designed or fabricated.

## 3 Developing Aviation Networks

## (1) Expanding and upgrading aviation networks

## ① Improving metropolitan airports functionalities

MLIT is keen to improve the functionalities of the metropolitan airports as an impetus to the nation’s economic growth to bolster Japan’s international competitiveness in both arenas of business and tourism.

Starting in the 2013 summer flight schedules, Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) has expanded the number of slots for domestic flights by 20,000 to 410,000 a year (370,000 slots in daytime hours and 40,000 in late evening and early morning hours). The additional slots were allocated to airlines after having been evaluated from perspectives of forming diverse networks of regional aviation and others, citing “Contribution to the formation and enhancement of nationwide aviation networks,” “Contribution to the formation and enhancement of air routes between Haneda Airport and regional airports” and other items.

It is expected to further increase the number of slots to 447,000 (including 90,000 for international flights) from the 2014 summer flight schedules. MLIT plans to expand and improve the international flight district to accommodate 90,000 international flights, to develop aprons and other facilities to accommodate 447,000 slots, and to stretch Runway C which is necessary for increasing the transport capacities of long-haul international flights. Through these measures and with high-demand and business routes, such as long haul Asian, European and U.S. flights, available during daytime hours, it is planned to accommodate the strong air

Graphic II-6-1-4

Major Development Projects at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)

Source) MLIT

Graphic II-6-1-5

Number of Available Slots at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) (during Daytime Hours)

Source) MLIT