Hawaiian Airlines filed an application with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin service this summer between Tokyo International Airport at Haneda (HND) and Kona International Airport (KOA) on Hawai’i Island. The airline’s action was prompted by the US DOT’s decision last month to review the public interest served by Delta Air Lines’ Seattle-Tokyo route after Delta reduced its frequency from daily to seasonal.

“This route would provide unmatched public benefit by improving US exports, boosting spending and economic growth within the United States”, said Mark Dunkerley, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines.

If approved, this would be Hawaiian Airlines’ fifth Japan route, joining service to Honolulu from Tokyo and Osaka, and service between Honolulu, Sendai and Sapporo. Hawaiian Airlines anticipates it will begin service on or about 1 June 2015, utilising its fleet of 20 A330-200 aircraft.