Air Transport

Singapore Airlines (SIA) plans to start twice-daily flights between Singapore and Tokyo's Haneda airport in October 2010.

Singapore's Air Traffic Rights Committee (ARTC) has awarded the airline the permit for 14 weekly flights to Tokyo Haneda, says the Star Alliance carrier.

The airport will handle international flights in October 2010 after a fourth runway there opens for operations.

SIA operates twice-daily flights to Tokyo's Narita airport, one of which continues on to Los Angeles.

"Haneda has more domestic flight connections and is nearer Tokyo's business districts. The new flights will cater for growth in demand and boost travel between Singapore and Japan for both business and tourism," says the carrier.

A SIA spokeswoman says there are no details yet on the aircraft model that will be operated on the new service.

Singapore-based low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia has also applied for rights to fly between the city and Haneda. The application is under review.