(MIAMI, 2016) – On July 26, Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) officials welcomed a group of executives from Kagoshima, Japan, who traveled to South Florida as part of its Sister Cities International partnership with the City of Miami. The delegation toured Miami International Airport (MIA) and learned about its passenger and cargo hub operations, as well as the airport’s pursuit of direct passenger service to Asia.

“It was a pleasure to host the Kagoshima delegation and share our efforts to make MIA a global gateway,” said MDAD Director Emilio T. González. “Our innovative programs and consistent growth continue to attract international attention, and we welcome the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with key cities around the world.”

MDAD representatives have had several meetings recently with Japanese aviation officials to discuss the potential for direct flights from MIA. MDAD met with All Nippon Airways (ANA) executives in early June at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dublin, Ireland, which was followed by ANA representatives visiting MIA on June 27 for another round of discussions. Representatives from Narita (Tokyo) International Airport also traveled to Miami in April to learn about MIA’s growth management and redevelopment plans.