New Zealand and Japan have signed a new air services agreement that will allow for the launch of more flights between the two countries.
“The arrangements New Zealand and Japan have negotiated will remove many of the current restrictions on services by the airlines of the two countries,” said transport minister of New Zealand, Gerry Browniee.
The arrangement lifts all limits for New Zealand airlines to fly in, out or through airports in Japan outside of the Tokyo region and “reciprocal rights will be available for Japanese airlines,” stated a release from the New Zealand government.
The agreement also enables New Zealand airlines to fly into Narita Airport on a daily basis from 2013 onwards while “an understanding has been reached on the possible future use of Haneda Airports.”
The air services agreement is a welcome step forward since Japan is New Zealand’s fourth largest trading partner after Australia, United States and China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The agreement would work to strengthen ties between the two countries as well as boost trade even further.
Alisha Haridasani
