U.S., Japan Reach Air Route Accord; ‘Dramatic Expansion’ in Service Seen
Transportation Secretary Samuel K. Skinner on Saturday announced a pact with Japan that he said marks the “most dramatic expansion in air service between the two countries” in 37 years.
“It opens new vistas in terms of travel, trade and tourism,” Skinner said late Saturday after the agreement had been signed in Tokyo. Transportation Department officials announced the “agreement in principle” in Washington.
David Prosperi, assistant secretary for public affairs, said the pact could increase current air service between the United States and Japan by 25% to 30%. Six U.S. and three Japanese carriers currently fly routes between the two countries.
The pact provides for more passenger and cargo service between the two countries, new all-cargo services and special services for Alaska, Guam and Saipan, Prosperi said.
Prosperi said U.S. and Japanese officials initialed the agreement after six days of negotiations in Tokyo.
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