Airlines

United Applies to Become First U.S. Carrier to Fly Nonstop between Houston and Tokyo-Haneda Airports

United Airlines declared today that it submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for daily nonstop flights connecting Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

Pending approval, United would be the inaugural U.S. carrier to provide nonstop service between Houston and Haneda. The introduction of this route is anticipated to benefit the rapidly expanding population of the Houston region, along with 240+ Japanese-affiliated companies and consumers residing in communities throughout the Southern U.S.

These flights will link 64 communities in the Southern U.S. to Haneda, constituting approximately 575,000 yearly bookings to Tokyo, or 21% of all U.S. mainland to Tokyo demand. In comparison, Houston currently has only one flight to Haneda (operated by a foreign carrier), while New York/Newark has five, Los Angeles has seven, Chicago has three, and Washington, D.C., and Dallas/Fort Worth each have two.

This new route aims to establish greater equity among major markets while offering increased seat availability and travel flexibility for both business and leisure travelers.

Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines, highlighted the transformation of the Houston area into a vital hub for business and leisure travel due to its growing population and flourishing energy and innovation sectors.

240+ affiliated businesses in Houston

If approved by the DOT, this new service is expected to enhance travel options to Tokyo Haneda for consumers across the Southern United States and strengthen the economic partnership between Japan and the 240+ affiliated businesses in the greater Houston area.

United Airlines, the largest airline in Houston, boasts over 14,000 employees and more than 400 daily departures, including 70 international daily departures. According to a study by Compass Lexecon, United’s IAH hub and spending by foreign visitors to Houston on United and Star Alliance member flights contribute an estimated $5.3 billion annually to Texas’s gross domestic product, with United’s direct employment in Houston contributing $1.2 billion to economic activity in 2022.

Houston is a significant center of commerce for healthcare, manufacturing, and primarily, the energy industry. The city and the state of Texas have established crucial economic ties with Japan through Houston’s role as an energy powerhouse. Last month, Houston was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as one of seven regional clean hydrogen hubs, with support from Japanese subsidiary Mitsubishi Power Americas.

Japanese-owned companies directly employ over 70,000 workers in Texas, including over 240 Japanese-affiliated companies in Houston. Texas is home to 53 Fortune 500 companies, with 24 located in the immediate Houston vicinity. According to the Texas Development Corporation, Japanese companies have recorded 119 investment projects in Texas over the last decade, accounting for $6.9 billion in capital investment and 19,620 new jobs.

Conversely, Texas companies have recorded 25 investment projects in Japan, responsible for $799 million in capital investment and 1,667 new jobs. Beyond economic ties, Houston’s relationship with Japan extends to hosting the country’s regional Consulate-General.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.