American Airlines announces flights from JFK to Tokyo’s Haneda, citing DOT approval
Jan. 27, 2024
American Airlines has revealed its plans to launch a new nonstop route from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND). The Fort Worth-based carrier announced that it has received tentative approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate the route. The new flights are expected to begin in the coming months and will operate daily.
Haneda Airport is one of the main airports serving Tokyo and is known for its convenient location, being closer to the city center compared to Narita Airport. However, U.S. airlines are limited in the number of flights they can operate to Haneda due to slot restrictions. These slot rules, which require airlines to use the slots allocated to them or risk losing them, had been temporarily relaxed during the pandemic but have now gone back into effect. American Airlines’ successful bid for Haneda flight rights will allow them to expand their presence in the Japanese market.
“We are grateful to the DOT and thankful to our partner Japan Airlines for supporting our application. Together, we are well-positioned to offer customers a comprehensive network between two of the most robust economies in the world,” said American Airlines CEO Robert Isom.
This new route will add an additional 200,000 seats annually between the U.S. and Japan, further strengthening the air connectivity between the two countries. It will also provide more options for travelers flying between New York and Tokyo, as American Airlines’ Oneworld Alliance partner Japan Airlines already offers nonstop service on the same route.
American Airlines already operates daily flights to Haneda from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and twice daily flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The addition of the JFK-Haneda route will enhance American Airlines’ Tokyo service and provide more convenience for passengers traveling between the two cities.
The announcement of this new route comes as the aviation industry continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines are gradually reinstating international routes as travel restrictions ease and demand increases. American Airlines’ decision to launch the JFK-Haneda route demonstrates their confidence in the future of air travel and their commitment to providing convenient and efficient connections for their customers.
In conclusion, American Airlines’ announcement of flights from JFK to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is exciting news for travelers, as it will offer more options and convenience for those flying between the two cities. The new route is expected to begin in the coming months and will provide an additional 200,000 seats annually between the U.S. and Japan. This expansion of American Airlines’ Tokyo service reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting the demand for travel and further strengthening their presence in the Japanese market.