NWA had ordered the 787 as a hedge against Japan "open skies" making Narita economically obsolete. They learned from Delta management's experience when the 1996 German open skies killed Frankfurt in 1997. The hubs were quite similar...slot and environmental controlled, using just over 300 slots per week and served from 9 US origin markets with 17 beyond destinations. Japan "open skies" really aren't, but there is room for only two alliance partners there. All Nipon is with Star, and JAL is with oneworld. As long as Haneda access is somewhat restricted NRT will do OK. If Haneda ever truly opens and Delta doesn't get a significant slot and gate portfolio, NRT will be like LHR vs LGW. It will become the discount and secondary destination airport.