The 998 International Transport Forum’s (ITF) global summit of Transport Ministers has recognised Osaka’s New Kansai International Airport Company (NKIAC) for its model of funding key transport infrastructure, with the award of its 2013 Transport Achievement Award.
Established by the Japanese government in 2012, NKIAC integrated the operation of Osaka’s two major air hubs, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM).
Under this new structure, funding for a dedicated low-cost carrier terminal and strategic price incentives for off-peak take-offs and landings have helped the emergence of a new low-cost carrier market in Japan. It has also spurred the development of a new airfreight logistics hub at KIX, boosting use of both airports.
The pooling of resources and cash flow has enabled innovative cross-funding, allowing government subsidies for KIX to be progressively reduced to zero.
With economic viability achieved, NKIAC is preparing the sale of concessions for the operation of both airports. This will be a first for major infrastructure in Japan and is expected to set an example for other projects.
The award will be presented to Mr Keiichi Ando, President of NKIAC, on 23 May during the 2013 Summit of Transport Ministers from the 54 member countries of the International Transport Forum (ITF), in the city of Leipzig, Germany.
Established by the Japanese government in 2012, NKIAC integrated the operation of Osaka’s two major air hubs, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM).
Under this new structure, funding for a dedicated low-cost carrier terminal and strategic price incentives for off-peak take-offs and landings have helped the emergence of a new low-cost carrier market in Japan. It has also spurred the development of a new airfreight logistics hub at KIX, boosting use of both airports.
The pooling of resources and cash flow has enabled innovative cross-funding, allowing government subsidies for KIX to be progressively reduced to zero.
With economic viability achieved, NKIAC is preparing the sale of concessions for the operation of both airports. This will be a first for major infrastructure in Japan and is expected to set an example for other projects.
The award will be presented to Mr Keiichi Ando, President of NKIAC, on 23 May during the 2013 Summit of Transport Ministers from the 54 member countries of the International Transport Forum (ITF), in the city of Leipzig, Germany.
