Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines says it is concerned that U.S.-Japan aviation talks could threaten the viability of its Tokyo hub, a key gateway to Asia.
Delta says the shift could eventually threaten its Atlanta-Tokyo route, a vital connection for Atlanta's international businesses doing business in Japan and the rest of Asia.
"It would cause Delta's network in Asia to unravel," said Delta special counsel Ben Hirst. "Ultimately it will make the flights that we operate to [Tokyo] Narita from Atlanta not viable," along with Delta routes from other U.S. cities to Tokyo.
Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi
Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi
It's another major challenge in Delta's years-long effort to establish a stronger presence in Asia, while its competitors United and American benefit from partnerships with Japan's two major carriers.
Although Delta is expanding on other parts of the world, it says its Tokyo hub remains an important part of its strategy in Asia.
To read more about why Delta's presence in Japan is so important for the airline and for business travelers, and to find out how competitors could gain a bigger toe-hold in Tokyo, get the full story on myajc.com.
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