Japanese airline eyes off direct flight from Tokyo to Darwin

JAPAN Airlines is considering an NT Government pitch to fly direct from Tokyo to Darwin.

Japan Airlines

JAPAN Airlines is considering an NT Government pitch to fly direct from Tokyo to Darwin.

Chief Minister Adam Giles, who is in Tokyo for the opening of the Japan Australia Joint Business Conference, said he had a "very good" meeting with senior executives from the airline this morning.

The annual conference, which will be held in Darwin next year, is considered the premiere forum for attracting investment from Japan.

The heads of iconic Japanese companies - including Mitsubishi Corporation and Kawasaki - walked into today's opening ceremony clutching brochures advertising the Territory.

A large slice of the NT Government delegation's trip is focused on tourism, and the Japan Airlines pitch is designed to build on the 30,000-odd Japanese who visit the NT each year.

Most come to see Uluru, and it is hoped the ability to connect to Alice Springs from Darwin will prove attractive.

Mr Giles said the meeting with Japan Airlines had been scheduled to discuss passenger transport to next year's conference.

"We also spoke about how we look to increase tourism numbers to the Northern Territory from Japan, how we can get better penetration in to that market," Mr Giles said.

"The NT is continuing to build very strong relationships with Japan on the back of the Inpex project deal and it's important to be here representing the NT's interests and look to ways we can further solidify our relationship with Japan."