American Slated to Begin New York-Tokyo Service

American has received tentative approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to launch a nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND). This move positions the Fort Worth-based airline as the sole U.S. carrier operating nonstop flights between these two hubs.

The airline briefly operated a flight between JFK and Tokyo Haneda between February 2011 and December 2013, but ended the service, citing unprofitability due to late arrival and early departure slot times. The airline also previously flew from JFK to Tokyo’s other major airport – Narita International Airport – until it ended that route in favor of its Haneda service in 2012, according to Cirium Diio data.

In October 2023, the airline applied to operate the route again as slots became available. Pending final DOT approval, the flight is set to be operated by a Boeing 777-200 aircraft with service beginning in ‘the coming months.’

“American looks forward to beginning nonstop service to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from JFK,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom in a press release. “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. This new service will add nearly 200,000 additional round-trip seats annually between the U.S. and Japan, offering customers more ways to conduct business in the global marketplace or connect with family and friends.”

Adding to Existing Service

According to the carrier, the new route is projected to add nearly 200,000 additional round-trip seats annually between the U.S. and Japan. It will be the airline’s fourth daily nonstop flight to Haneda, complementing daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth and two daily flights from Los Angeles.

American’s oneworld alliance partner Japan Airlines (JAL) currently serves the Haneda-JFK route. The Japanese airline recently debuted its new flagship A350-1000 on the route.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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