The U.S. Department
of Transportation on Tuesday finalized a tentative May decision to award two route
authorities to launch service to Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Delta Air Lines and one
apiece to American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
DOT said the tentative
Open Skies agreement between the United States and Japan late last year opened up
the first opportunity in 30 years for U.S. carriers to serve the airport, which
is closer to Tokyo's city center than its chief international airport, Narita
International Airport. "These new flights will provide travelers with more
convenient access to Tokyo," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
in a statement.
The DOT decision requires carriers to launch service by Jan. 29, 2011, but
not before a new runway opens at Haneda later this year. Thanks to the new slot
authorities, Delta plans to launch service to the airport from Los Angeles and Detroit,
while American is planning New York-originating service, and Hawaiian will serve
Haneda from Honolulu.