Nikkei climbs more than 2 percent, led by exporters

(Adds stocks, details)

* Nikkei up 2.2 pct, led by Honda, other exporters

* Market relieved after Fed signals no rush on rate hikes

* Airlines up on prospect of route cuts to lower costs

By Elaine Lies

TOKYO, Aug 6 (Reuters) - The Nikkei stock average powered up 2.2 percent on Wednesday, led higher by Honda Motor Corp (7267.T) and other exporters on relief after signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve that it is in no hurry to raise interest rates.

All Nippon Airways (9202.T), Japan's second-largest airline, rose after saying it may cut routes and its bigger rival Japan Airlines Corp (9205.T) edged up after it was reported to be following suit to cut costs as aviation fuel prices soar.

Oil's fall to a three-month low also buoyed the market, though resource-linked shares such as Mitsubishi Corp (8058.T) and other trading houses extended losses, with Mitsubishi down 7.6 percent this week alone.

"The Fed's actual rate decision was as expected, but its statement appeared to suggest that inflation may start to ease off naturally by the end of the year, making rate hikes increasingly unlikely," said Nagayuki Yamagishi, strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Securities.

"Japanese stocks may be a bit behind the United States in terms of a rebound, but now I think the Nikkei will try to catch up."

He added that the Nikkei appeared to be moving within a box from 13,000 to 14,000 and that the market's forays below 13,000 have grown increasingly brief, signalling growing investor confidence.

But other market players were warier, with some saying investors are waiting for Japanese company earnings later this week for further clues about the economy's long-range health.

"It's still far too soon to be able to say whether this situation will be just temporary or if there's actually been a positive change in the market environment," said Hiroichi Nishi, general manager at the equity division of Nikko Cordial Securities.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 gained 287.24 points to 13,201.90, while the broader Topix rose 1.8 percent to 1,269.93.

EXPORTERS ENERGISED

Exporters led the Nikkei higher as the dollar held firm near seven-week highs against the yen. A weaker yen makes Japanese goods more competitive overseas and boosts profits when they are brought back home.