Tokyo, Japan - Delegations representing the governments of the United States and Japan announced in Tokyo today that they have successfully negotiated an amendment to their Open Skies agreement. The proposed amendment provides for the first time since 1978 daytime services by U.S. and Japanese air carriers between the United States and Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), the busiest in Japan and the closest to downtown Tokyo.

These flights are expected to begin as early as fall 2016.

Under the current agreement, U.S. airlines have a total of four slot pairs (four arrivals and four departures) for service to and from Haneda, which are now restricted to use during nighttime hours. Under the proposed amendment, these four slot pairs would be transferred to daytime hours. In addition, a fifth daytime slot pair for scheduled service to and from Haneda would be added and U.S. airlines would be able to continue operating one nighttime slot pair. Several U.S. carriers have expressed strong interest in offering daytime service to Haneda, and their passengers will benefit from convenient access to downtown Tokyo.

The U.S. Open Skies international aviation policy has expanded international passenger and cargo flights to and from the United States, promoted increased travel and trade, and spurred job creation and economic growth.