Last updated on January 29th, 2024 at 09:32 pm
It looks like United isn’t the only one seeking to expand at Japan’s most coveted airport, as American applies for another Haneda slot, too. However, if the slot is awarded to American, this won’t be a new route. Rather, they’d be resurrecting a route they attempted a decade ago.
As reported earlier, Delta Air Lines has officially terminated its Portland, Oregon – Tokyo Haneda route, opening up applications to clinch the now freed up slot. United was quick to move on the opportunity, submitting an application for two slots, one for a proposed Houston – Haneda route, along with a Guam – Haneda route. Yes, only one slot is technically available, but they’re also trying to takeover Hawaiian’s currently unused Kona – Haneda slot. I guess we’ll see what happens there. But back to American.
American Applies For Another Haneda Slot
Following United, American applies for another Haneda slot, too. The “new” route it’s seeking to operate is New York JFK – Tokyo Haneda. If awarded the slot, American plans to operate the route daily utilizing a Boeing 777-300ER or 777-200 beginning on October 29, 2023. As I mentioned earlier, this is a route they operated before, having discontinued it back in December 2013. Why? Profitability, or, ya know, lack there of.
What’s different this time? Apparently, the timing rules last time around were so strict that American couldn’t schedule the flight’s arrival to conveniently connect with flights to other parts of Japan and Asia operated by their Oneworld partner, Japan Airlines. That doesn’t appear to be an issue this time around, which is likely why they want to give it another go. Will they succeed this time? Who knows. I will say, I think this is a better use of the slot than Guam – Haneda.
Final Thoughts
It’ll be interesting to see what happens next. Who should get Delta’s vacated slot? Honestly, I’m not sure. What interests me more is, now that United has brought up Hawaiian’s under-utilized route, will the DOT take it away from them and award it to United or American? I guess we’ll have to see. Honestly, I don’t think they should, as that’s the only connect Hawaii has to Asia from somewhere that’s not Honolulu, but if Hawaiian isn’t going to operate it…
At any rate, if American succeeds, their New York – Haneda route will join their existing Los Angeles – Haneda and Dallas/Fort Worth – Haneda routes.