Hawaiian Airlines plans to fly nonstop to Sapporo

Hawaiian Airlines plans to start flying to Sapporo, its fourth destination in Japan.

The airline said Wednesday it hopes to begin service from Honolulu to New Chitose Airport on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido in November.

It must obtain Japanese government approval to begin flights.

CEO Mark Dunkerley says the new route builds on the airline's strategy to diversify its revenue base and strengthen its presence in one of its most important visitor markets.

Hawaiian launched its first flight to Japan in November 2010. It also flies to Osaka and Fukuoka.

The rapidly expanding airline started flying to Seoul, South Korea, last year. Next month, it will begin a nonstop route to New York City.