FedEx plans direct flights to new Japan airport

FedEx Corp may operate direct flights between the US and the new international airport, off the coast of Aichi prefecture, in central Japan, when it opens in 2005.

FedEx aims to win business related to Expo 2005 Aichi, and meet growing demand for cargo transported via Japan to China, said Michael Ducker, executive vice- president in charge of international operations.

FedEx already serves Japan via Tokyo International Airport at Narita and Kansai International Airport in Osaka.

It operates 33 flights a week between Japan and the US, but only seven between Japan and China.