American Airlines mulling nonstop flights on LAX-Tokyo route

American Airlines has expressed its desire to operate flights to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. The airline recently applied with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and sought permission to launch nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo Haneda.

Media reports said that a similar application has been filed to DOT by Hawaiian Airlines to begin flights from Kona.

The reports stated that a bilateral agreement has been signed between United States and Japan limiting U.S. carriers to operate only four roundtrip flights daily to Haneda.

According to the reports, Haneda Airport is already being served by four roundtrip flights. These flights are being operated by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The destinations from where the flights are being operated to the capital city of Japan include San Francisco, Honolulu and Los Angeles.
 
The U.S. carriers are focusing greatly on Haneda Airport, instead of Narita International Airport. Both the international airports in Tokyo have world-class facilities. However, the main reason to compete with each other for slots at Haneda Airport is that it is located quite closer to downtown Tokyo and is a favorite destination for those traveling by first class or booking business class tickets.

The reports further pointed out that Haneda is considered to be most profitable route. Even a domestic route operated by a low-cost carrier out of Haneda is able to generate significant revenues for the airline. The reports said that international carriers are able to earn even bigger revenues when operating flights out of Haneda.