Alaska Airlines Introduces Nonstop Flights from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul
Alaska Airlines is expanding its global reach with two new international routes from Seattle, marking the next step in its merger with Hawaiian Airlines. Starting in May, Alaska will launch nonstop flights to Tokyo, followed by service to Seoul, South Korea, in October.
Building a Global Gateway in Seattle
Dubbed a “new global gateway,” Seattle will serve as a hub for Alaska Airlines’ long-haul operations. These new routes are part of Alaska’s broader strategy to offer at least 12 nonstop global destinations from Seattle by 2030, leveraging its fleet of long-haul widebody aircraft.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be part of Alaska Air Group,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “Our merger with Hawaiian Airlines is transforming our business and solidifying our competitive edge for the years ahead.”
The decision to prioritize Tokyo and Seoul was strategic. Hawaiian Airlines already operated in these markets, providing a strong foundation for Alaska to expand its Pacific reach. While Alaska Airlines has traditionally used Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for flights to Mexico and Central America, Hawaiian’s fleet of long-haul jets enables Alaska to connect customers to Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Merger with Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines was finalized in September after receiving regulatory approval. The $1.9 billion merger brings new opportunities for both airlines, including increased flights across the Pacific. Although the two brands will remain separate, they will operate as a single carrier, serving over 54 million passengers annually.
Alaska and Hawaiian are currently working toward a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which they aim to secure by October 2025.
Expanding Services and Enhancing Operations
As part of its integration with Hawaiian, Alaska Airlines plans to increase seating capacity by 20% on routes between Seattle and Honolulu. Three of the six daily nonstop flights on this route will now feature widebody Hawaiian Airlines aircraft.
Additionally, Alaska plans to increase flying hours for Hawaiian’s Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A321s to mitigate delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries. This move is expected to create more union jobs and support Alaska’s growth strategy while addressing production challenges at Boeing.
A Strategic Financial Vision
Alaska Airlines’ three-year plan, “Alaska Accelerate,” outlines ambitious goals, including $1 billion in annual profits and earnings per share of $10 by 2027. The airline expects $5.75 earnings per share for 2025.
The majority of the profit growth will stem from its commercial operations, with an estimated $800 million in additional revenue over the next three years. The merger with Hawaiian Airlines is a key part of this strategy, providing the scale and resources to strengthen the brand’s position in the competitive airline industry.
Enhancing the Travel Experience
Beyond new routes, Alaska Airlines is focusing on customer experience. Plans include introducing upgraded airport lounges, launching a new customer credit card, and expanding its role in the global cargo market, particularly with increased access to Asia.
A Bright Future
With these new routes and its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines is positioning itself as a major player in international travel. The expansion of its Seattle hub not only connects the Pacific Northwest to key global destinations but also demonstrates the airline’s commitment to innovation, growth, and enhanced customer service.
For passengers and employees alike, this marks an exciting new chapter for Alaska Airlines as it cements its place in the global aviation industry.
