American Airlines has relocated to Narita International Airport’s Terminal 2 and will begin operations on Jan. 17. The move will significantly improve convenience for travelers by housing American Airlines and four of its…
American Airlines has relocated to Narita International Airport’s Terminal 2 and will begin operations on Jan. 17. The move will significantly improve convenience for travelers by housing American Airlines and four of its fellow oneworld® Alliance airlines in the same facility.
Now, customers connecting between American and fellow oneworld airlines will have minimum connection times of approximately 70 minutes, a substantial improvement over the current 110 minutes. According to the company, compared to its U.S. competitors, American’s passenger check-in location provides greater convenience for customers originating in Tokyo, with closer proximity for them to check in, go through immigration, and enter the new Admirals Club® lounge or access American’s gates. A new Admirals Club lounge with seating for 265 will also open in Terminal 2.
American Airlines executive, Craig Kreeger, Senior Vice President – International, will join Theo Panagiotoulias, Managing Director – Pacific, to inaugurate the new facilities on Jan. 17. Also expected to attend are some 150 guests including government and civic leaders; J. Thomas Schieffer, United States Ambassador to Japan; American Airlines customers and employees; and members of the news media.
“The new Narita terminal reinforces our commitment to provide the highest level of comfort and convenience for our customers traveling to, from and through Tokyo, who will enjoy the advantages of our location in the same terminal with four of our fellow oneworld airlines,” said David Cush, Senior Vice President – Global Sales.
“Our investments in facilities in New York, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Los Angeles and now Tokyo are unmatched by our U.S. competitors and differentiate the customer experience for American’s passengers from the very beginning of the trip. The Admirals Club facilities at each of these airports ensure that our customers have everything they need for a productive and comfortable travel experience.”
Commenting on the importance of American`s service to Japan, Cush said, “In 2007 we celebrate 20 years of service to Japan, underscoring its role as a significant market for us. Japan is not only one of the world’s top business and tourist destinations, but it also is a key gateway to the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.”
Speaking of Narita’s strategic role in American’s growing global network, Kreeger said, “Of our passengers who travel to Japan, more than 90 percent of our connecting customers connect to or from other oneworld airlines. That key statistic highlights the importance of our alliance in today’s global marketplace – and the significance of our relocating to Narita’s Terminal 2 with four of our oneworld Alliance airlines.”
The new terminal will house and conveniently connect passengers to oneworld airlines Cathay Pacific Airways, Qantas Airways, Finnair and Japan Airlines, which will join the oneworld Alliance in early 2007.
“Our investment in Narita creates significant operational advantages for American and greatly enhances the customer experience,” Kreeger said. “These facilities will serve the needs of international travelers for decades to come.”
