Airlines

Airport charges, particularly at Tokyo’s major airports, remain high compared with those at competing airports elsewhere in Asia. This is an important consideration for airlines when assessing the commercial viability of existing services and potential new routes. While recent discussions with Narita Airport have helped contain certain charges, airlines continue to face cost structures and fees that can be out of step with international practice. The EBC therefore urges airport operators and the Government of Japan to avoid further increases in airport-related charges and to pursue greater cost efficiency and transparency. Investments in security and other essential airport infrastructure should, as far as possible, be financed by airport operators and the government rather than through additional charges imposed on airlines.

The EBC welcomes the efforts made by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the Ministry of Justice and airport operators to accommodate growing passenger numbers and facilitate international travel. These efforts include improving access to Haneda Airport (HND) for international services and strengthening immigration capacity at airports. The EBC also appreciates the constructive and open dialogue maintained by Narita International Airport with the airline industry. We encourage other airport operators and relevant authorities to adopt a similarly collaborative approach, taking the operational needs of airlines into account when planning future improvements.

European airlines continue to invest in measures to reduce aviation’s environmental impact, including more fuel- and noise-efficient aircraft, improved flight planning and navigation technologies, and the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels. The EBC supports operational improvements that enable more efficient flight paths and approach and departure procedures at HND, provided that they are implemented in close consultation with affected communities and with due regard to safety. The EBC also calls for the continued review of procedures at Narita Airport (NRT), including the early landing-gear deployment practice, where changes could reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and aircraft noise without compromising safety.

The transition to a more sustainable aviation sector requires a substantial increase in the availability and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Japan has set a goal for domestic airlines to replace 10% of their fuel consumption with SAF by 2030, while also supporting domestic production and the development of supply chains. More recently, the Government has been considering phased SAF supply obligations for fuel suppliers, reflecting the challenges involved in bringing production capacity on stream. The EBC recognises the progress made through public-private cooperation but stresses that a credible, predictable and comprehensive roadmap is essential. This should address production, feedstock availability, imports, logistics, airport infrastructure, pricing and the allocation of costs across the value chain.