TOKYO: Japan’s All Nippon Airways, with new nonstop flights between Tokyo and Houston, now serves 10 North American cities.
All Nippon, or ANA for short, was drawn to Houston by the large number of connecting flights there to Latin America on partner United Airlines.
The airline hopes travelers in the central U.S. will see Tokyo as a jumping-off spot to other points in Asia. ANA is optimistic enough in the demand that it began service last week with 250-seat Boeing 777 jets instead of the smaller Boeing 787.
Through an interpreter, CEO Osamu Shinobe discussed his airline’s future plans for the U.S. and other topics in interview with The Associated Press.
He says the initial flight for Tokyo-Houston was fully booked. June and July bookings are around 70 percent and over.
