JAL - Japan Airlines (JL, Tokyo Haneda) will likely only begin its planned Tokyo Haneda-New York JFK direct services next year the Kyodo News Agency has reported.
Airline sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said the route's launch was being delayed until autumn next year when an existing moratorium on the airline opening new routes is lifted. Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLITT) imposed the restrictions when JAL was forced to use tax payer money to maintain its operations in the wake of a 2010 bankruptcy filing.
Following an agreement with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) earlier this year, the MLITT awarded JAL a pair of daytime Tokyo Haneda slots in contrast to rival ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda) which was awarded three along with a single night-time slot. JAL will presumably convert its existing Haneda to San Francisco and Honolulu midnight flights, to daytime departures beginning this winter season.