2026 / 08 / 07

Routes・Aircraft

In March 1986, ANA launched international flights between Tokyo and Guam, marking a significant milestone towards becoming the global airline it is today.

Four months later, ANA expanded again, launching international non-stop flights to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., routes that would connect the two cities to Japan for the next four decades.

In this installment of “A New Chapter of Flight,” we sat down with colleagues to get a look at the past, present and future of ANA’s operations at the two gateways in the United States.

Los Angeles: A Global Operations Milestone

From left to right: Richard Ide, Vice President of Airport Administration, ANA The Americas; Courtney Moore of LAWA, Yoshiyuki Hirooka, General Manager of ANA LAX; Hon Seng Au, Station Manager of ANA LAX

On July 16, 1986, ANA launched its inaugural flight connecting the cities of Los Angeles and Tokyo. Today, there are three daily roundtrip flights that connect Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita Airports.

We spoke with Hon Seng Au, Station Manager in Los Angeles to learn more about the team and the future of LAX. Au joined ANA in 2018 as Station Manager, following decades of experience for another airline at LAX.

Team LAX at the gate on July 16, 2026

Team LAX

“Team LAX is resilient, collaborative and has a quiet strength,” Au said. “Despite the many challenges from 9/11, SARS, to COVID, we work together to continue to provide a safe and excellent experience to our customers.”

The team works flexibly to accommodate changes and requests while adapting and cooperating with local airport agencies such as Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to ensure that travelers have a smooth experience at the airport.

Passengers boarding the inaugural flight from Narita to LAX on July 16, 1986

The future of LAX

Los Angeles will host a succession of prestigious sporting events through 2028. In anticipation, Team LAX hopes to leverage use of IT to provide a better travel experience for passengers.

“From web check-in on the ANA App to self-service kiosks and ticket counters, we hope passengers can have the seamless experience they desire,” said Au. “At the boarding gate, passengers will be able to board the flight via contactless facial recognition e-gates.”

Flight NH5 to Narita taking off from LAX on July 16, 2026

At LAX, an automated people mover system known as “Skylink” is under construction, aiming to improve connectivity for passengers getting around the airport.

“The Skylink aims to change the airport’s historic reputation for traffic bottlenecks around the ‘horseshoe’ traffic loop,” said Au. “The new driverless, electric train system will improve the arrival experience for international travelers.”

With improvements through ANA’s digital transformation and LAX’s infrastructure on the horizon, Au hopes that Team LAX can continue to provide a comfortable experience for passengers traveling through the airport.

Washington, D.C.: Connecting Two Capitals

Mayumi Folta, Passenger Service Coordinator (left) and Yoshiko Weaver, Traffic Manager (right)

On July 26, 1986, just ten days after the inaugural Los Angeles flight, ANA began non-stop service between Washington, D.C. and Tokyo. Today, the two capital cities are connected with one daily roundtrip flight from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Haneda Airport.

We spoke with Yoshiko Weaver, Traffic Manager, and Mayumi Folta, Passenger Service Coordinator to learn about the history of ANA’s service to IAD.

Folta joined ANA in 1990, following a tenure with one of ANA’s contracted ground handling companies. Weaver joined ANA in 1996, working through various positions in passenger and flight operations throughout the years.

Historic moments

“September 11, 2001 has been one of the most memorable moments in my career,” said Folta. “I was in the operations office preparing to open the check-in counter when we watched on TV that an aircraft had struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.”

“One of the aircraft in the attacks had departed from IAD. Our inbound flight that morning diverted to Detroit and the outbound flight was unable to depart for several days afterward, leaving many customers stranded,” added Weaver.

Both Folta and Weaver recall feeling relieved and happy to welcome passengers back to IAD once operations resumed. This event was a major turning point for the industry, leading to the establishment of the TSA in the U.S., tightened security and lasting changes to airport operations.

Team IAD at the gate on July 26, 2026

ANA over the years at IAD

Folta and Weaver share that Team IAD has gone through numerous changes, from a downsizing of facilities to outsourcing of staff. Through this, the team continues to work closely with one another, efficiently coordinating passenger service and flight operations.

“Our team is like family,” said Folta. “Everyone supports one another and we work together to provide the best service for our passengers.”

“I believe the team embodies ANA’s motto of ‘Anshin (trustworthy), Attaka (heartwarming), Akaruku-genki (energetic)’ and are always striving to deliver our very best,” Weaver added.

ANA B747 at IAD in 1986

Over the years, ANA’s Washington D.C. to Tokyo route expanded from three weekly flights to daily service.

“We’ve seen many different types of aircraft from the B747 and B777 to the B787 that currently operates the route,” Weaver said.

“Additionally, joining Star Alliance was an important step for ANA,” said Folta. “It improved our global network, strengthened our reputation and helped increase passenger demand.”

For Folta, Weaver and the rest of Team IAD, their experience and strong teamwork continues to shine as they welcome passengers from around the world on their next adventure with ANA.

Team IAD sending off Flight NH101 on July 26, 2026

Connecting to the future

Richard Ide, Vice President of Airport Administration, The Americas shared his thoughts on the future of ANA’s international operations.

“Whereas the start of international flights 40 years ago was a dream fulfilled, the ongoing expansion of international routes is a reflection of customer demand,” says Ide. “The world has become tightly integrated through socio-economic ties and family extensions.”

ANA’s routes to Guam, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. brought the airline to the global market over four decades ago. Today, ANA serves over 40 destinations around the world to Tokyo and beyond, bringing people and cultures together.

“In 1986 international flights were a new adventure. Today and continuing onwards to the future, they are essential transportation for connecting the rapidly changing world and sustaining the expansion of a global economy.” Ide adds.

Looking ahead, ANA hopes to continue connecting new destinations and people, one flight at a time.