The Transport Ministry will allow three major airlines to operate shuttle flights between Tokyo and Osaka starting July 1, increasing the number of daily flights from 27 to 33, Transport Minister Toshihiro Nikai said Friday.
Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Japan Air System will also set up a joint Web site and common counters at Tokyo's Haneda airport and Kansai International Airport in Osaka.
The airlines will operate shuttle flights at regular intervals, and passengers will be able to easily change their reservation to a flight on a different airline, the ministry said.
The ministry has set up a study panel, chaired by Osaka Gov. Fusae Ota, to study shuttle services between Tokyo and Osaka, the most profitable among domestic routes.
The number of daily flights between Kansai International Airport and Haneda airport will be increased from 12 to 15, and those between Itami and Haneda airports from 15 to 18, the ministry said.