HONOLULU – Hawaii’s largest airline announced its plans for four nonstop flights a week between Honolulu and Manila. The airline said about 170,000 people traveled between Manila and Hawaii in the past year and that its new route will double the air capacity between Hawaii and the Philippines. Hawaiian’s primary competitor on the 5,300-mile route will be Manila-based Philippine Airlines.

Hawaiian already flies to Australia, American Samoa and Tahiti, as well as nine Mainland cities. Hawaiian will use twin-aisle Boeing 767-300ER jets that hold 264 passengers. Hawaiian (Amex: HA) said it has applied for the Manila routes and expects approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“We see tremendous opportunity to increase travel on this route in light of the deep historical and cultural ties Hawaii has to the Philippines, Manila’s population of over 10 million people, its growing international business sector and substantial middle class with the inclination and means to travel," Hawaiian president and CEO Mark Dunkerley said at a news conference announcing the new service. About 15 percent of Hawaii’s population is Filipino-American, according to Census data.