The start of regular daily charter flights between Tokyo's Haneda airport and Beijing in October has raised expectations that the route will prove lucrative for airlines in the future.
The inauguration of flights took place amid sluggish demand for air services but Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Seiji Maehara's remarks that he wants Haneda airport to serve as an international hub is generating a favorable wind.
A full Japan Airlines flight departed from Haneda on Oct. 25 for the less than four-hour flight, bringing Japan and China closer to passengers flying on business.