The Japanese shipbuilding industry teamed up with steelmakers to establish the basics of Mega-Float technology, and built a 1,000-meter-long demonstration model of a floating airport. Using this model, they developed and confirmed the soundness of theory and necessary techniques for the construction and use of such airports. Joint developers also carried out important demonstration tests, taking off and landing of an aircraft on the Mega-Float model, with satisfactory results. As a result, in March 2001, the feasibility of Mega-Float type airports 1,000 to 4,000 meters in length was confirmed.

Currently, a 2,500-meter strip is being proposed for the expanded Haneda Airport. The initial study concluded that the Mega-Float technology is the best choice for the project: “The Mega-Float airport could be built more quickly at less cost; would be unaffected by ground quality; would be resistant to earthquakes; permit utilization of the internal space; be friendly to the environment; easy to expand, relocate or remove; and not disturb the flow of water if installed at the mouth of the Tama River.”