US airlines seek new Japan service

Delta Air Lines, the world's biggest airline, and three other US carriers sought permission from regulators to boost its Asia service with flights to Tokyo's Haneda airport.

Applications to the US Transportation Department to gain authority for up to four daily flights were also filed by United Airlines, a unit of UAL Corp; American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp; and Continental Airlines.

A treaty in December between the United States and Japan to liberalise transpacific service opened Haneda, which has been closed to US carriers for more than 30 years.

Mainly a domestic airport, Haneda has recently expanded to permit more flights. Its fourth runway is due to open in October.

Delta and United already fly to Japan through Narita airport.

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