Hawaiian says Aloha to Osaka in 2011

Hawaiian Airlines announced Monday it will begin to offer daily, nonstop flights between Honolulu and Osaka, Japana. This would mark the third new Asia destination for the Aloha State carrier in just the last few months.

Hawaiian has big plans to expand in the Asia market and subject to approval by the Japanese government, flights could start to fly to and from Osaka Kansai International Airport by July 12.

The new Osaka flights will add roughly 100,000 new seats annually to Hawaii from Japan, which is Hawaii's second-largest market for visitors. In addition to adding Osaka service later this year, Hawaiian Airlines added routes from Seoul last month and Tokyo in November 2010.  

Commenting on the new offering, Hawaiian Airlines president and
CEO Mark Dunkerley said, "The response to our new Haneda service has been
stronger than expected, and we have accelerated our plans to offer our
authentic Hawaii travel experience to Osaka and Japan's second most populous region. Our new service will help meet strong travel demand from Osaka, and provide a welcome boost to Hawaii tourism."