All Nippon Airways has urged the Japanese government to create a fairer market and relax some regulations to help the country's airline industry.
Rival Japan Airlines (JAL) is seeking a bail out from the Japanese government after suffering massive losses over the last year. While ANA's net profit in the three months to 30 September fell 11.5% to ¥3.8 billion ($42.7 million), Shinichiro Ito, the carrier's president and CEO, is more optimistic about his carrier.
"We want to do what we have to on our own, and we are not expecting much help from the government," he says at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines' (AAPA) annual assembly of presidents in Singapore. This can be seen in the carrier's announcement of plans to cut costs and find new ways to increase revenues after its financial results, he adds.
However, while he declined to comment on the government's possible aid for JAL, he did urge the state to be more judicious in how it helps the industry.
"We insist that the government should have a fair market and fair rules," says Ito. "Japan's taxes - fuel taxes and landing fees for example - are very high compared to the rest of Asia. We urge the government to reduce this and keep the airline industry competitive."
Looking ahead, he says that a good opportunity for the Japanese carriers will come when Tokyo's Haneda airport opens its doors to international flights in October 2010 when a fourth runway opens.
"That is a good business chance and we must take advantage of that," he adds.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
