Asahi reported that the Transport Ministry convened a briefing on Monday for domestic and international airlines regarding its requirement for aircraft to use a steep 3.45-degree approach when landing at Haneda Airport during late afternoon in the summer to reduce noise in central Tokyo. The meeting was held in response to some foreign operators’ refusal to comply with the rule during test flights conducted in February on the grounds that their pilots were “not well prepared.” Some foreign commercial airlines have reportedly raised concern about the steep approach requirement, which makes aircraft touchdown at a greater air speed than in a standard 3-degree approach. During the session, which was attended by representatives of some 50 airlines, the ministry reportedly stressed that planes are not allowed in principle to descend at the standard 3-degree angle for the entire final approach. However, it also said they may land at the airport at a 3-degree angle if they choose to descend at a steeper angle than 3.45 degrees after entering the final approach and adjusting to 3 degrees before landing.