4 U.S. Carriers Apply for Japan Routes

Four U.S. airlines stepped up to the plate to take advantage of a new market-opening U.S.-Japan aviation agreement. AMR Corp.’s American Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc., US Airways Group Inc., and Trans World Airlines Inc. all filed requests with the Transportation Department for permission to offer new service to Japan. AMR applied for four new routes, including one between Chicago and Tokyo that the carrier has sought for more than a decade.

The U.S. and Japan last month agreed on a pact that is expected to lead to the largest increase ever in passenger and cargo flights between the two nations. Two airlines that now carry much of the air passenger traffic between the U.S. and Japan -- Northwest Airlines Corp. and Japan Airlines Co. -- will face new competition. U.S. officials did not immediately respond to calls about the applications.