Travelore News: Japan's All Nippon Airways Expands US Service With Houston

With its new nonstop flights between Tokyo and Houston, Japan's All Nippon Airways now serves 10 cities in North America, and the CEO says he is looking for more destinations in the U.S. heartland.

All Nippon, or ANA for short, was drawn to Houston by the large number of connecting flights there to Latin America on partner United Airlines. The airline hopes travelers in the central U.S. will see Tokyo as a jumping-off spot to other points in Asia. ANA is optimistic enough in the demand that it began service last week with 250-seat Boeing 777 jets instead of the smaller Boeing 787.

Through an interpreter, CEO Osamu Shinobe discussed his airline's future plans for the U.S. and other topics in interview with The Associated Press. Following are the highlights, which have been condensed for space and clarity.

Q. How are bookings for Toyko-Houston flights?

A: The initial flight was fully booked and for June and July bookings are around 70 percent and over.

Q. Why did you decide to fly to Houston?

A: There were two attractive reasons. One is that this is one of the greatest hubs of United (ANA and United are partners in the Star Alliance, one of three global teams of airlines). And Houston being in the south of the USA, we thought this can be a good portal for our passengers to Central and Latin American countries. Also there are many Japanese companies operating near the Houston area.

Q. Will you fly to more U.S. cities? Denver, for example, is also a hub for United.

A: (With the Boeing 787) we can fly routes for which the 777 is a bit too large, such as Seattle and San Jose. We are now looking at the wide spots of the United States — that is the central region of the United States. We don't have any concrete plans for Denver yet ... (United) is already flying from Denver to Tokyo, and also if you look at the Japanese community including the Japanese business community in Denver, that is much smaller than that of Houston.

Q. How is travel demand in Japan?

A: The Japanese government is relaxing visa requirements for (visitors from) Asian countries, and therefore we see a surge in inbound (passengers) from Asian countries to Japan. And because of the economic situation of the West, we see a good strength over the Pacific as well.

Q. Is the weaker yen helping boost travel to Japan?

A: For Asian people, I think visa relaxation plays an important role. Other than Asian countries — for example, the United States or other passengers — I think a weaker yen plays an important role because it used to be 80 yen to the dollar; it's now 155 yen to the dollar. So when we speak to our travelers they say they feel hotels are cheaper.

Contributed by DAVID KOENIG, AP.

Hilton Worldwide Announces “First-Of-Its-Kind" Global Partnership With Japan's ANA

Hilton Worldwide just announced a global partnership with Japan’s biggest airline, ANA, to introduce cutting-edge airline lounges and in-flight services that will raise the bar for the travel and hospitality industries worldwide. The initial phase of this alliance will run between June 1 and August 31, 2015 and is designed for both Japanese and international travelers to “Experience More” of the renowned Hilton hospitality when they next travel through the ANA Haneda or Narita lounges or embark on a flight from Tokyo to Honolulu.

“The partnership between Hilton and ANA delivers enhanced experiences for travelers on the ground and inflight by providing touches of Hilton and ANA hospitality every step of the way.”

The Hawaiian-focused Hilton X ANA “Experience More” partnership, which will last until 2017, is the start of a three-phase collaboration between two of the most recognized brands in the hotel and aviation industries. Hawaii was selected as the first destination to kick start the program, as it is one of the most popular holiday destinations for the Japanese and the campaign period sits within the summer peak season travel period.

“As frequent travelers ourselves, we understand how tiring long-haul flights and waiting in transit for a connecting flight can sometimes be. Hilton believes that travel should be enriching and enjoyable, from the moment a traveler steps into the airport, to the moment the traveler arrives back at home, including the lounge, in-flight, and hotel experiences,” said Mark Liversidge, vice president, marketing, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide. “The partnership between Hilton and ANA delivers enhanced experiences for travelers on the ground and inflight by providing touches of Hilton and ANA hospitality every step of the way.”

“Hawaii is a favorite destination for Japanese travelers, and our customers always look forward to their leisure trips, even before they board their flights. Last December, we enhanced service offerings on our Honolulu routes, and in July of this year we will be adding another flight between Narita and Honolulu. Our partnership with Hilton elevates the excitement for our customers, and we hope our partnership will leave an impression to last until the next time they book a flight to Hawaii with us again,” said Toshitaka Watanabe, Senior Vice President, CS & Products Services, ANA.

Travelers can “Experience More” and look forward to enriched travel experiences including:

• Lounge Experience: ◦ The travelers’ journeys begin following the check-in at the airport, as they enter the ANA lounges in Haneda or Narita airport in Japan

◦ Guests will be delighted with the lounge menu offerings, which were specially created by chefs at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort and promise an authentic taste of Hawaii

◦ As they relax and enjoy phenomenal food offerings, guests can also view a destination video on Hawaii, which will be played on the TV screens in the lounges, providing inspiration for their next vacation.

• In-flight Experience: ◦ Travelers, in both the economy and business classes, on all ANA flights between Tokyo and Honolulu can look forward to Hawaiian-inspired menus exclusively designed by chefs at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

◦ Passengers can sit back, relax and enjoy a 30-minute Hawaii destination video.

◦ Guests may also take a copy of a mini guidebook which was specially-commissioned for this partnership, and which features recommendations for sightseeing and food, as well as an introduction to Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

The landmark Hilton X ANA global partnership marks an innovative start that brings together Hilton’s 95-years of experience in hospitality and ANA’s strengths as Japan’s largest carrier.

Hilton HHonors and ANA Triple Miles Promotion

Hilton and ANA are sweetening the deal and making journeys to Hawaii this summer more enjoyable and rewarding! From May 1 to August 31, 2015, earn double ANA Mileage Club miles with Hilton HHonors when you stay at any of the participating hotels and resorts within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio globally, and enjoy triple miles in Japan or Hawaii. Terms and conditions apply.

Travelore Tips: Premium Economy Seats Worth The Upgrade

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic launched the "premium economy" concept in 1992 to woo cost-minded business travelers—and the service hasn't changed much in the decades since. Not that that's a bad thing; the dedicated check-in and bag drop ensure exclusivity from the very beginning, and the purple leather seats boast a width of 21 inches, one of the biggest in the business. The airline also offers some of the best Premium Economy dining options, including a multi-course meal and after-dinner drinks.

Courtesy Virgin Atlantic

Japan Airlines

If you need a cocktail to help you relax during a flight, Japan Airlines's Sky Premium class has you covered: The expanded beverage selection includes champagne, sake and sochu, among other offerings. This is in addition to the the TUMI amenities kit and the unique slide-down seat design inside individual shells, which prevents passengers in front of you from reclining into your lap. The perks start well before you board: pre-boarding lounge access is included.

Courtesy Japan Airlines

British Airways

The airline's recently updated World Traveler Plus cabin now includes more comfortable seats outfitted with greater recline capacity and adjustable head- and footrests. Noise-canceling headphones and a fleece blanket only add to the comfort level. Plus, the entire dining experience has been improved: A three-course lunch or dinner includes some items from the business class menu, as well as snacks and cocktails. And if that's not enough, meals are served on actual china.

Courtesy British Airways

Qantas

A team of Australian hospitality experts is involved in the high-quality (and chic) premium economy experience aboardQantas. The cabin's wide seats also have a pitch that ranges from 38 to 42 inches; they come with adjustable ergonomic headrests designed by Marc Newson and built by Recaro. And menu, designed by chef Neil Perry, is complemented by fine Australian wines. There's also a self-serve snack bar as well as beverage service throughout the flight, starting with a welcome drink.

Courtesy Qantas

Air New Zealand

Known for being one of the most innovative airlines in the world (have you seen the epic Hobbit-themed safety video?), Air New Zealand's Premium Economy Spaceseat (available on its 777-300 aircraft) is otherworldly. The stylish, white leather seat (outfitted into its own shell) is quite striking: It has two center seats, which allow passengers to face each other over an extra-wide armrest. It's perfect for traveling couples, who can enjoy a dinner date at cruising altitude.

Cathay Pacific

Every trip on Cathay's Premium Economy cabin starts with a hot towel and a glass of bubbly (or juice, if you so prefer), hinting at the enhanced food service for the flight (including tasty meals and a variety of snacks). The seats, which have an eight-inch recline, end on either legrests (if you're in the front row) or three-position footrests. Amenities like noise-canceling headphones, fancy bathroom soaps, eco-friendly amenities, and the oversized pillows add to the luxurious experience.

Courtesy Cathay Pacific

Alitalia

A dedicated check-in desk plus priority baggage handling at the destination streamline the pre- and post-flight experience when you've booked a Classica Plus ticket. The ergonomic seats are fairly wide at just under 19 inches, and the leg rests and 120-degree recline add to comfort of the product. Because you're flying Italian, the food and beverage perks are delicious: You're served a welcome drink, a traditional antipasto, and Italian wine, before capping the meal off with a shot of espresso.

OpenSkies

The lesser-known sister airline to British Airways only has one route: New York City (from either JFK or Newark Airport) to Paris' Orly Airport and back. Its Premium Plus category is all about intimate luxury thanks to a 2:2 configuration. The seats—with chic leather accents—recline to a comfortable 130 degrees. With the 47" pitch, it's difficult to find a more spacious premium economy seat flying the friendly skies. Bonus: Everyone on the plane has access to an entertainment-packed iPad.

Courtesy OpenSkies

ANA

Like JAL, ANA offers premium economy travelers lounge access in Tokyo plus in several airports in the U.S. and Europe. In the air, you'll be treated to seats that are nearly 20 inches wide, with both lumbar support and a foot rest. The meal service is technically the same as what you would get if you flew economy, but there are added treats such as red and white wine plus dessert from the business class menu. Don't forget to sift through the amenities kit; slippers are included.

Courtesy ANA

Thai Airways

Now that Thai Airways has ceased flying through the U.S., American travelers looking to board the airline have to get Europe first, with the most convenient connections via Scandinavia. Flights from Stockholm or Copenhagen to Bangkok are selling the last five rows of the business cabin on a Premium Economy ticket, meaning you get to travel the 11-hour flight in a lay-flat seat with the airline's economy service. Pricing here is roughly half the business rates and won't include the fancy dining options, which shouldn't be a big deal if you're spending most of the time sleeping.

Courtesy Thai Airways

Contributed by Chadner Navarro, www.cntraveler.com

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