In the intricate dance of international aviation, securing slots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is no simple feat for U.S. airlines. The meticulous control exercised by Japanese authorities over takeoff and landing permissions for long-haul flights at Haneda adds an additional layer of complexity.

Back in 2019, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Japanese authorities resulted in the allocation of extra slots at Haneda to select domestic carriers. These allocations, however, came with a ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ stipulation, temporarily relaxed during the pandemic but now a thing of the past as of last month.

Recently, both Delta and Hawaiian Airlines opted not to utilize their full slot allocations to Haneda, paving the way for other U.S. carriers to make a compelling case to the DOT for these available slots.

United Airlines has already expressed interest, seeking approval to launch flights from Guam and Houston to Tokyo Haneda—a proposal formalized in a recent press release. If approved, United will become the first U.S. carrier to fly nonstop service between Houston and Haneda. This new route will benefit the Houston region’s rapidly growing population, 240+ Japanese-affiliated companies, as well as consumers living in communities across the Southern U.S.

Adding to the mix, American Airlines has thrown its hat into the ring, petitioning the DOT for slots to initiate a new route connecting New York to Tokyo Haneda. The proposed daily daytime service, operated by the Boeing 777-200, aims to complement the existing route operated by Japan Airlines, a key partner in American’s Oneworld alliance and Pacific joint venture.

The proposed schedule for the New York to Tokyo route is as follows:

• Departure: 10 a.m.
• Arrival: 1:05 p.m. (next day)

For the return leg, Tokyo to New York:

• Departure: 3:05 p.m.
• Arrival: 3:10 p.m.

While American Airlines officially filed its motion with the DOT last month, the carrier is now actively promoting its pitch as part of its latest press release.

“American looks forward to presenting our competitive application to provide new and enhanced service to Tokyo’s convenient Haneda Airport,” said Molly Wilkinson, American’s Vice President of Regulatory and International Government Affairs. “This will be the only nonstop service from JFK to Tokyo operated by a U.S. airline. Joining American’s existing flights from Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles, JFK to Tokyo service adds an East Coast gateway for flights to Haneda, while offering the largest metropolitan area in the U.S. more options for travel to one of the most important business hubs in the world.”