The bilateral air transport agreement between Canada and Japan has been expanded, providing more possibilities for air services between the two countries. The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, made this announcement during a visit to Japan where he is working to strengthen Canada's trade and investment ties with Asia.

"This expanded agreement will help deepen Canada's important trade and investment relationship with Japan — the world's third-largest economy," said Minister Fast. "Our government is committed to facilitating the movement of goods, services and people to help Canadian businesses expand, compete and succeed in priority markets around the world."

"Japan is an important and long-standing bilateral air transport partner," said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. "Further expanding air transportation rights is another step in the implementation of our government's Blue Sky policy. The expanded agreement is expected to lead to additional benefits for Canada's air travellers, shippers, airports and tourism industry."

The expanded arrangements include greater access for Canadian airlines to Tokyo's Narita Airport and added flexibility for airline routings. The agreement includes additional rights for services between Canada and Japan through third countries. This will support air services between the two nations.

Some of the new air transport rights exchanged by the two governments are available immediately for use by Canadian and Japanese airlines, while others are phased in. Airlines are reviewing the new arrangements to determine what new or additional air services might be warranted.

Since November 2006, Canada's Blue Sky policy has encouraged long-term, sustainable competition and the development of new and expanded international air services. Under this policy, the Government of Canada has concluded open, new or expanded air transport agreements with close to 60 countries.