Airlines

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

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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

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.