## ○ Developing airline networks

MLIT has been engaged in improving domestic airline networks, by implementing measures for the development of structural aspects of airport facilities and for enhanced competition among airline-service providers through deregulation in nonstructural aspects. The ministry also expands international airline networks by making investment in international airport facilities and by promoting aviation liberalization pursuant to the Asian Gateway Initiative.

In the metropolitan area, the ministry proceeds with the redevelopment of Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport and the extension of the parallel runway at Narita International Airport to 2,500 m, and it strives to realize the use of both Narita and Tokyo International (Haneda) Airports in an integrated manner to maximize the international aviation function. Regarding the full-scale privatization of Narita International Airport Corporation, the

ministry will make necessary legal amendments in order to introduce regulations that limit large-scale share holdings by stockholders in the country and overseas.

In addition, the ministry is engaged in the deployment of physical distribution facilities at Kansai International Airport, on Niki Island, and the expansion of airfield aprons for passengers at Chubu International Airport.

In order to shift the focus of airport policies from development to operation, the Airport Development and Improvement Act was revised and renamed as the Airport Act in June 2008 to further enhance and streamline airport operations.

Plan for Narita International Airport

Category	Current status	At the time of the completion of the northern parallel runway	Final targets
Runway	A 4,000m runway
A provisional, 2,180m parallel runway	A 4,000m runway
A 2,500m runway	A 4,000m runway
A 2,500m runway
A 3,200m runway $ ^{*} $
Annual capacity	200,000 takeoffs/landings	220,000 takeoffs/landings
Passenger terminal buildings	Passenger terminal 1
Passenger terminal 2	Passenger terminal 1
Passenger terminal 2	Passenger terminal 1
Passenger terminal 2

$ ^{*} $ Following the completion of the parallel runways, a crosswind runway will be proposed again to the local citizens after assessing environmental impact, according to a decision made at the round table conference. It will be maintained as a ground passage for the time being.

## (2) Improving coordination among different transport modes

## ○ Developing multi-modal transport systems

MLIT is working to improve the speed and facilitation of transit/transshipment by prioritizing the improvement of coordination among key transport facilities and the functional enhancement of such facilities, which includes airports, ports, train stations, high-standard highways, etc. as well as the roads and access railways that connect these key facilities.

## ○ Improving access to airports

MLIT aims to improve rail access to Narita International Airport so as to reduce the travel time from central Tokyo to less than 40 minutes by supporting the construction of Narita Rapid Rail Access, and by renovating railway station facilities in order to make transfers more convenient at Nippori Station on the Keisei Railway line. In order to improve road access to Narita International Airport by car, the ministry pushes forward the development and improvement of expressway networks, including the improvement of the east front of Tokyo’s Outlying Ring Road System. MLIT is working to further improve railway access to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), by increasing the capacity of the Keisei Kyuko Dentetsu Airport line, and by comprehensively renovating Keikyu Kamata station to increase the number of train services from the direction of Yokohama.

Furthermore, from the viewpoint of maintaining and enhancing the international competitiveness of the Tokyo metropolitan area, the ministry is examining and discussing measures to further enhance railway access among the two airports and the city center.