Japan Launches Expert Council to Tackle Domestic Aviation Challenges

Key Takeaways

• Japan launched an expert council on May 26, 2025, to tackle domestic aviation challenges.
• Council includes government, airlines, experts to address environment, technology, safety, and competition.
• Japan plans $33 billion investment and new eco-friendly passenger plane by 2035.

Japan Forms Expert Council to Tackle Domestic Aviation Challenges

Japan 🇯🇵 has taken a major step to address growing concerns in its domestic aviation sector by launching an expert council, as announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on May 26, 2025. This move comes at a time when the country’s aviation industry faces several pressing issues, including the need for new technology, environmental demands, and increased competition from other countries. The council’s creation signals a strong commitment from the Japanese government to secure the future of domestic aviation and keep Japan 🇯🇵 competitive in the global market.

Who is involved? The council brings together government officials, airline representatives, industry experts, academics, and policy specialists.
What is the goal? To find solutions for the challenges facing Japan’s domestic aviation sector and to guide the industry toward sustainable growth.
When did this happen? The council was officially launched on May 26, 2025.
Where is this taking place? Across Japan 🇯🇵, with a focus on both major airports and regional connections.
Why now? Japan’s aviation industry is at a crossroads, with new environmental rules, the need for better technology, and increased competition from other countries.
How will it work? The council will meet regularly to discuss problems, share ideas, and make policy recommendations to the government.

Let’s look deeper into what this means for Japan 🇯🇵, the aviation industry, and travelers.

A New Approach to Domestic Aviation

The launch of the expert council is not just a routine government action. It’s a direct response to several recent developments that have put pressure on Japan’s domestic aviation sector. The government is taking a proactive stance, bringing together voices from different backgrounds to make sure that the solutions are well-rounded and practical.

Key reasons for forming the council include:

• Structural challenges: Japan’s domestic aviation sector faces issues like aging fleets, rising costs, and changing travel patterns.
• Environmental demands: There is a growing need to reduce carbon emissions and meet strict environmental targets.
• Technological change: New aircraft and systems are needed to keep up with global trends.
• Safety concerns: Recent incidents have shown the importance of strong safety protocols.
• International competition: Other countries, especially in Asia, are making big moves in aviation.

By forming this council, Japan 🇯🇵 aims to stay ahead of these challenges and make sure its aviation sector remains strong and competitive.

Who is on the Expert Council?

The council is made up of a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT): They coordinate the council’s work and connect it to government policy.
• Representatives from Japan’s two major airlines: Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are likely participants, bringing real-world experience from the industry.
• Aviation industry experts and academics: These members provide technical knowledge and research-based insights.
• Economic and environmental policy specialists: They help ensure that the council’s recommendations are practical and sustainable.

This mix of members is designed to make sure that all important viewpoints are considered when making decisions about the future of domestic aviation in Japan 🇯🇵.

Main Goals of the Council

The council has several clear objectives:

1. Addressing structural challenges: This means looking at the basic problems in how domestic aviation works in Japan 🇯🇵, such as old planes, high costs, and changing passenger needs.
2. Ensuring sustainable growth: The council wants to make sure the industry can grow in a way that is good for the environment and the economy.
3. Developing policy recommendations: The group will suggest new rules and policies for the government to consider.
4. Coordinating industry-wide responses: By working together, the council can help airlines and other companies respond to new challenges more effectively.

These goals are important for keeping Japan’s domestic aviation sector healthy and ready for the future.

Recent Developments in Japan’s Aviation Sector

The launch of the expert council follows several important changes and announcements in Japan’s aviation industry:

1. Next-Generation Passenger Aircraft Project

Japan 🇯🇵 has announced plans to develop a new type of passenger airplane that uses advanced environmental technology, such as hydrogen fuel or hybrid electric engines. The goal is to have this new plane ready after 2035. This project is a big part of Japan’s push to become a leader in green aviation and to move beyond its traditional role as just a supplier of airplane parts.

2. Major Investment in Aviation

The government has promised to invest about 5 trillion yen (around $33 billion) in the aviation industry over the next ten years. This money will help pay for the development of the new passenger plane and other improvements in the sector.

3. Updates to the Domestic Flight Reservation System

ANA, one of Japan’s biggest airlines, announced on May 20, 2025, that it will start accepting reservations for domestic flights up to May 19, 2026, beginning May 29, 2025. This update is part of a larger effort to modernize the reservation system and make it easier for travelers to book flights.

Background: Japan’s Aviation Strategy

Japan 🇯🇵 has been working for years to strengthen its aviation industry. The country wants to move from being mainly a supplier of airplane parts to building its own commercial passenger planes. This shift became even more important after Mitsubishi Heavy Industries stopped its previous passenger jet project in February 2023.

Why is this important?
State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Kazuchika Iwata explained, “For the Japanese aircraft industry to achieve sustainable growth, we cannot stay satisfied with our position as a parts supplier.” This means Japan 🇯🇵 wants to build complete airplanes, not just parts, and become a leader in new, environmentally friendly technologies like hydrogen-powered planes.

Regulatory Changes and Passenger Experience

Japan 🇯🇵 has also made several changes to its aviation rules and passenger services:

• Stricter luggage inspections: Large luggage carried by private jet passengers must now be inspected at six major airports, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu Centrair, Kobe, and Nagoya.
• Flexible flight permits: Airlines can now change their flight schedules within a window of -1 day to +3 days from the approved date, making operations more flexible.
• More flexible routes: Airlines can use different approved airports and set alternate airports “within reason,” giving them more options in case of delays or emergencies.

Improvements for Travelers:

• Pre-Clearance System: Starting in January 2025, travelers between Japan 🇯🇵 and Taiwan will be able to complete border checks before leaving, making travel faster and easier.
• Japan Electronic Travel Authorization (JESTA): This new system will help streamline travel approvals.
• Shinkansen seat changes: From March 15, 2025, there will be fewer non-reserved seats on Nozomi trains, which may affect how travelers plan their journeys.

For more details on Japan’s aviation regulations and updates, readers can visit the official MLIT Aviation page.

What Will the Expert Council Focus On?

The council is expected to look at several key areas:

1. Environmental Sustainability

Japan 🇯🇵 has promised to be carbon neutral by 2050. This means the aviation sector must find ways to cut down on pollution and use cleaner energy. The council will likely discuss how to make planes more fuel-efficient and how to use new types of engines, like hydrogen or electric.

2. Technological Innovation

Japan 🇯🇵 is known for its technology. The council will look at how to use this strength to build better planes and improve airport systems. This includes using digital tools to make flying safer and more efficient.

3. Infrastructure Development

Some airports in Japan 🇯🇵 are very busy, while others in rural areas need better connections. The council will talk about how to improve airport facilities and make sure people in all parts of the country can travel easily.

4. Safety Enhancements

After a serious accident in January 2024, when a Japan Airlines A350 collided with another plane at Haneda Airport, safety has become an even bigger concern. The council will review evacuation procedures and look for ways to make flying safer for everyone.

5. International Competitiveness

Other countries, especially China 🇨🇳, are making big advances in aviation. China 🇨🇳 recently showed off its first home-built passenger jet. Japan 🇯🇵 wants to keep up and even get ahead by building its own planes and using the latest technology.

Why Does This Matter for Stakeholders?

For Airlines:
Japan Airlines and ANA will have a direct say in the council’s work. They can share their experiences and help shape new rules that make flying safer, greener, and more efficient.

For Travelers:
Passengers can expect better services, safer flights, and more choices in the future. New technology and improved airports will make travel smoother.

For the Economy:
A strong aviation sector means more jobs, better business connections, and a boost for tourism. The government’s investment will help create new opportunities for workers and companies.

For the Environment:
By focusing on green technology, Japan 🇯🇵 can reduce pollution from planes and help fight climate change.

For International Partners:
Japan’s efforts to build its own planes and improve its aviation sector will make it a stronger partner in the global market.

What Happens Next?

The expert council has just started its work, so specific policy recommendations and timelines are still to come. Over the next few months, the council will meet, gather information, and talk to different groups. They will then share their ideas with the government, which will decide how to put them into action.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the council’s recommendations will be closely watched by airlines, travelers, and other countries. The decisions made now will shape the future of flying in Japan 🇯🇵 for years to come.

Practical Guidance for Readers

• Travelers: Keep an eye on updates from airlines and the government about new rules, reservation systems, and travel options.
• Businesses: Companies in the aviation sector should follow the council’s work and prepare for changes in technology and regulations.
• Students and Workers: Those interested in aviation careers may find new opportunities as Japan 🇯🇵 invests in building its own planes and improving airports.
• Environmental Groups: Watch for new policies that support cleaner, greener flying.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Japan’s decision to launch an expert council for domestic aviation shows a strong commitment to solving current problems and preparing for the future. By bringing together experts from different fields, the government hopes to find practical solutions that will benefit everyone—airlines, travelers, workers, and the environment.

As the council begins its work, more details will become available about the specific steps Japan 🇯🇵 will take. For now, the message is clear: Japan 🇯🇵 is serious about making its domestic aviation sector safer, greener, and more competitive on the world stage.

For ongoing updates and official information, readers can visit the MLIT Aviation page.

Key Takeaways

• Japan 🇯🇵 has launched an expert council to address challenges in domestic aviation.
• The council will focus on environmental, technological, safety, and competitive issues.
• Stakeholders include government, airlines, experts, and policy specialists.
• Travelers and businesses should watch for upcoming changes and opportunities.
• Japan 🇯🇵 aims to become a leader in green aviation and build its own passenger planes.

By staying informed and involved, everyone can play a part in shaping the future of aviation in Japan 🇯🇵.

Learn Today

Expert Council → A group of specialists and stakeholders formed to advise on aviation sector challenges and policies in Japan.
MLIT → Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, responsible for aviation industry policy and regulation.
Hydrogen Fuel → Clean energy technology using hydrogen to power aircraft engines, reducing carbon emissions.
Pre-Clearance System → Border control process allowing travelers to complete immigration checks before departure for smoother entry.
Carbon Neutral → Achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing emissions with reduction or offset measures.

This Article in a Nutshell

Japan’s new expert council formed in 2025 aims to modernize domestic aviation through technology innovation, environmental goals, and enhanced safety, securing global competitiveness and growth amid evolving industry challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com