Hawaiian Airlines is planning a daily non-stop service from Kona to Tokyo Haneda airport to begin in the summer.
The carrier has filed an application with the US Department of Transportation for a route which would "provide unmatched public benefit by improving US exports, boosting spending and economic growth within the United States and increasing U.S. jobs," according to Hawaiian CEO Mark Dunkerley.
"Kona continues to be a top destination for Japanese travelers, and we are more certain than ever that direct service to West Hawaii is the highest and best use for the scarce Haneda slots that are at stake here," he added.
The airline said the DOT application has been endorsed by Governor David Ige and Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi and will generate 39,000 additional visitors and an economic impact of $65 million in direct spending.
If the DOT application is granted it would be the third daily service to Japan operated by Hawaiian, after Tokyo and Osaka flights which depart from Honolulu.
Hawaiian proposes beginning service on or around June 1, 2015, the DOT application states.
