Alaska Airlines is charting a bold new course toward global expansion with the announcement of two new transatlantic routes, alongside upcoming transpacific services and a refreshed look for its Boeing 787 fleet. These changes reflect the airline’s strategic vision to become a major player in international travel, following its recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
On Tuesday, Alaska Airlines announced plans to launch daily service from Seattle to London. While the exact start date has yet to be confirmed and tickets are not yet available, the airline expects the route to begin this spring. Additionally, seasonal service from Seattle to Reykjavik is also set to commence this spring, offering travelers a new gateway to Iceland.
These new routes follow an earlier announcement that Alaska will begin service from Seattle to Rome in the spring, with tickets expected to go on sale this fall. The airline is also preparing to grow its transpacific footprint, with service from Seattle to Seoul-Incheon beginning September 12, and flights to Tokyo-Narita launching January 7.
“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and elevate it to new heights,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines. “And we’re doing it with the same unwavering commitment to safety, care, and performance that has always defined us. I’m incredibly proud of how our team continues to rise to the occasion and deliver as we advance these initiatives—with even more on the horizon.”
A New Look for a New Era
As these long-haul routes take flight, Alaska is also rolling out a fresh look for its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The aircraft will soon feature a new livery inspired by the northern lights—symbolizing both the airline’s Pacific Northwest roots and its ambitions on the global stage.
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace, and a nod to our heritage,” said Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer of Alaska Airlines. “As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as distinctly Alaska Airlines and to appreciate the outstanding service we’ve long been known for.”
By this spring, all Alaska Airlines-branded 787s in the combined fleet will carry this vibrant new design. However, the airline confirmed that there are no changes planned to the exterior of Hawaiian Airlines-branded aircraft, which will retain their signature look following the merger.
Alaska also emphasized that its well-known tail icons are here to stay. “The Alaska Native on Alaska narrowbody aircraft and Pualani on all Hawaiian Airlines’ aircraft flying to, from, and within the Hawaiian Islands are not going away,” the airline stated. “They will remain unchanged as essential elements of our brands’ legacies and history.”
Looking ahead, the combined carrier is preparing to introduce new business class cabins and redesigned interior finishes across its long-haul fleet, although details on these enhancements have not yet been released.
With an expanding international network, modernized aircraft, and a renewed sense of identity, Alaska Airlines is poised to redefine its place in the global aviation landscape.
Image Credits- Alaska Airlines