Airlines

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

United Flight Diverts to Shannon, After Stuck Laptop in Business Class Seat

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 Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.