Clark County Director of Aviation Pushes for Direct Link Between Las Vegas and Japan

James Chrisley, the newest senior director of aviation for Clark County, Las Vegas, says there should be direct flights between the city and Japan, as it is an untapped market for bringing in more international tourists.

Chrisley Says Japan is an Untapped Market

Following recent successes in attracting Aer Lingus to launch flights between Dublin, Ireland, and Las Vegas, as well as a trial period with Air France operating flights between Paris and Las Vegas in January, Chrisley is now setting his sights on the Japanese market that briefly existed in the late 1990s. Chrisley said it would be great to have service to the land of the rising sun again, noting that it had been attempted many years ago, but believes it remains an untapped market with strong potential.

Nonstop service between Tokyo and Las Vegas was first offered by Northwest Orient, which later merged into Delta Air Lines, operating twice-weekly Boeing 747 flights. Japan Airlines later introduced a similar route, but the market at the time was unable to sustain service from both carriers.

However, more than 20 years later, as MGM Resorts International is developing a casino resort in Osaka, researchers are examining the viability of establishing a direct air link between Japan and Las Vegas. At present, Korean Air operates the only nonstop service between Asia and Las Vegas, with daily flights connecting Seoul, South Korea, to Reid International Airport.

The Director of Aviation Also Wants to Improve Services

Chrisley is also placing a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience at Reid International Airport, particularly through the expansion of passenger lounges, which is a trend he views with great enthusiasm. He noted the remarkable and growing demand for these amenities, describing the surge in popularity as a phenomenon. When the Capital One lounge opened in the D gates a few months ago, passenger interest was immediate, with lines forming outside within a week of its debut. According to Chrisley, this reflects how effectively these lounges are marketed and how much travelers now expect and value them.

Looking ahead, a new Chase Sapphire Lounge is expected to open in the C gates by the end of the year, along with a unique Amex “sidecar lounge,” which will be connected to the existing American Express lounge in the D gates. Chrisley described the upcoming addition as a “cool concept” that is anticipated to meet strong customer demand.

Chrisley also confirmed that airlines are actively negotiating for additional space to develop more lounges at the airport, aiming to expand beyond the six currently in operation.