Kansai airports to integrate management

Japan's LITT, Kansai International Airport Co and local governments and businesses have reportedly agreed on the integration of Kansai, Osaka and Kobe Airport's management, following an informal meeting held 30-Nov-2009 (The Yomiuri Shimbun, 02-Dec-2009). The panel discussed measures to deal with the freeze of JPY16 billion (USD185 million) in grants for Kansai Airport set by Government Revitalisation Unit to eliminate wasteful budget requests in preparation of the FY2010 budget. The operations of the three airports will be integrated first by reorganising competing routes. The operating body of the airports will include the airport firm and local offices representing local governments. The Kobe Municipal Government will join the operating body at a later stage. The panel is set to officially agree on the plan on 14-Dec-2009.