Hawaiian continues to rely on mainland and inter-island strength to offset long-haul weakness

Hawaiian Airlines expects solid unit revenue traction during 2Q2014 as it shifts some capacity from Asia back to the US mainland and perhaps sees some improvement in its long-haul network. It's long-haul network has been a weak performer for the airline during the last couple of years as currency shifts have hurt and it still waits for several new routes to mature.

The airline is now in a state of limbo as it aims to slow its previous rapid capacity growth in CY2014 while the investments made in developing its long-haul network should start to materialise slowly. The slowdown in growth is welcome, but challenges loom large for Hawaiian in ensuring all regions in its network make an overall positive contribution.

Hawaiian's favourable performance in its North American and inter-island markets should continue to help the airline turn a sound top-line revenue performance; but growth in those maturing markets its limited, emphasising the importance of Hawaiian's successful execution of is long-haul strategy.