WASHINGTON: Japan and the United States late Friday reached an "open skies" deal removing restrictions on the number of flights between the world's two largest economies, the US side said.

The agreement, reached after five rounds of talks including five days of talks in Washington this week, would allow carriers to adjust flight numbers based on demand rather than preset limits.

"Once this agreement takes effect, American and Japanese consumers, airlines and economies will enjoy the benefits of competitive pricing and more convenient service," US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.

The deal is expected to effect talks to acquire a slice of ailing Japan Airlines, which is being courted by top US carriers which want access to its lucrative routes.