The Transport Ministry today will approve Japan Air System Co.'s request to start regular air service between Tokyo and Hong Kong, based on a recommendation by the Transport Council, the ministry said Tuesday.

Starting Jan. 30, JAS plans to offer three flights a week -- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays -- between the two cities with a 243-seat A300-600R aircraft.

The new service is to utilize slots at Narita airport that were reallocated to the carrier after the number of slots at the congested airport was increased from the current winter schedule.