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.