American, Delta, Hawaiian, United Apply for Tokyo Haneda Routes

Tokyo Haneda International Terminal

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines are vying to obtain a limited number of slots to offer service from the United States to Tokyo Haneda Airport.

The 12 new slots will be in addition to the six currently being used by U.S. carriers. American and United each operate one daily non-stop flight to Haneda while Delta and Hawaiian each operate two. American serves Haneda from Los Angeles, United from San Francisco, Delta from Los Angeles and Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Hawaiian from Honolulu and Kona.

The airlines are seeking a total of 19 new slots. American is asking for four, Delta for six, Hawaiian for three, and United for six.

Slots for flights to Haneda Airport are considered highly desirable because of the airport’s proximity to downtown Tokyo, versus Tokyo’s other airport, Narita International Airport, which is outside the city.

“Enhanced service at Haneda would give our customers better access to downtown Tokyo,” said Richard Isom, the president of American Airlines.

Haneda was Tokyo’s primary airport until 1978. In 2010, a new international terminal was opened along with a fourth runway and, in 2014, the airport was opened up to long-haul service. It is the fourth busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic after Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, and Dubai International Airport.

“Today’s filing demonstrates United’s unparalleled commitment to helping more Americans travel between our nation and Japan’s capital city,” said United president Scott Kirby.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)