Emirates Targets Japan Exports Growth

Emirates is starting flights between Dubai and Tokyo’s second airport, Haneda, from June 3 – a sign that it sees a  potential rebound in Japanese exports and pick-up in business travel.

Emirates SkyCargo will provide an additional 210 tonnes of cargo capacity per week, supporting Japanese exports of mechanical components, electronic goods and automobile parts, and its imports of gas and oil products.

Japan posted a record trade deficit for 2012 – 6.9 trillion yen/$78 billion for the full year – amid falling exports to Europe and China.

The move means Emirates will fly to both the Japanese city’s airports, as it’s serviced Narita, the country’s largest international airport, since 2010. It will allow Japanese exporters and passengers more flexibility when connecting to the airline’s global network.

Haneda Airport, located in Ota-ku, handles the majority of domestic flights but opened its doors to international carriers following the opening of a fourth runway and international terminal in October 2010.

The new service will be operated by a three-class Boeing 777-200LR. EK312 will depart Dubai at 0935 and arrive at Haneda Airport at 0001 the following day. The return flight, EK313 will depart at 0130 and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 0705. Emirates will codeshare on the route with Japan Airlines.

Thierry Antinori, Emirates executive vice president, Passenger Sales Worldwide, said he was “confident” passenger and cargo demand warranted additional services to Tokyo.