Scramble for new Haneda slots

Competition on the lucrative US – Japan air route is set to intensify after the US Department of Transportation last week granted tentative approval to the country's “Big Three” carriers for extra flights into Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).

American, Delta and United all welcomed the move but the big winner stands to be Delta, which sought permission for service between Haneda and five US cities – Seattle, Detroit, Atlanta, Portland and Honolulu.

The airline said the DOT decision was a “major milestone” that once finalised would make it the leading US carrier serving what it described as Tokyo’s preferred airport.

United Airlines was tentatively granted a total of four daily non-stops to Haneda from its hubs at Newark Liberty International, Chicago O'Hare, Washington Dulles and Los Angeles International.

President Scott Kirby said United, as the largest US carrier to Asia, was “excited” to be granted additional slots to Haneda to help more passengers to travel between the US and Tokyo and maximise choice.

In American Airlines’ case, the tentative authority is for a daily flight between Haneda and Dallas Fort Worth and a second daily flight between Haneda and Los Angeles International.

Pending completion of an aviation agreement between the US and Japanese governments later this year, the flights are expected to begin by next summer.

www.transportation.gov

www.aa.com

www.delta.com

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