Alaska Air Group, now incorporating the Hawaiian Airlines brand, is set to transform Seattle into a global transpacific hub, with plans for extensive international and domestic expansion.
Starting May 12, the company will launch flights between Seattle and Tokyo Narita, utilizing Hawaiian-branded Airbus A330-200 aircraft. By October, the service will expand to include direct flights from Seattle to Seoul. Alaska Air Group aims to operate widebody flights to at least 12 international destinations from Seattle by 2030, with further details on routes expected to be unveiled in the coming years.
The announcement, made during the company’s Investor Day on December 10, highlighted efforts to boost connectivity for travelers from the East Coast and Midwest to Hawaii through West Coast hubs. This includes new redeye services from Honolulu to Portland and San Francisco, as well as from Maui to Portland, enabling seamless daytime connections for passengers heading eastward.
The company also outlined plans to maximize the Hawaiian Airlines fleet, increasing Airbus A321 utilization by 25% and expanding the deployment of Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
“This strategy mitigates the impact of delayed Boeing 737 deliveries while enabling us to expand our overall network reach,” the company stated.
The ambitious initiatives underscore Alaska Air Group's commitment to establishing a robust global presence while enhancing its network’s efficiency and reach.