In a show-cause order issued today, the Department proposed to grant one opportunity to Hawaiian for service from Honolulu, two opportunities to Delta for service from Los Angeles and from Detroit, and one opportunity to American for service from New York’s JFK Airport. Also applying for Haneda slots were Continental Airlines, Continental Micronesia and United Airlines.

In its proposed decision, the Department said selecting Hawaiian Airlines, which currently does not serve Japan, would add a new competitor to the U.S.-Tokyo market. Delta’s planned flight from Los Angeles would serve the largest west coast and mainland U.S. market to Tokyo. Delta’s flight from its Detroit hub would provide Haneda access to a broad area in the central and eastern United States. American’s New York flight would serve the second largest mainland U.S.- Tokyo market and would also promote competition among several major airline alliances.

If the proposed decision is made final, the selected carriers would be required to begin Haneda operations by Jan. 29, 2011. Objections to the show-cause order are due in ten days, and answers to objections are due seven days afterward. After the comment period ends the Department will issue a final decision.