Hawaiian Airlines drops weak long-haul routes, returning to more familiar North American markets

Hawaiian Airlines has opted to axe two long-haul markets - Fukuoka and Taipei - in favour of adding service to the US mainland, an area where the carrier has recently seen strength as Hawaiian's long-haul markets have languished throughout most of the last year.

Of course the danger in pumping capacity back into North American routes is reaching a state of oversupply. That was the scenario not too long ago before capacity between Hawaii and the US mainland reached equilibrium, and carriers once again began to record positive results in those markets.

Hawaiian is cutting two of its international routes as it has steadily fielded questions over when its long-haul markets will turn the corner to profitability. Given the continuing pressure on Japan's currency and the AUD depreciation against the USD, it could be quite some time before Hawaiian's long-haul strategy reaches fruition.