Alaska Air Group outlines expansion plans for Seattle-Tacoma airport

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Alaska Air Group outlines expansion plans for Seattle-Tacoma airport

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Dec 14, 2024

During Alaska Air Group's recent investor day presentation, the company outlined its future plans under the 'Alaska Accelerate' initiative. The focus was on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is set to become a hub for international travel.

As part of this strategy, Hawaiian Airlines will begin flights from Seattle to Tokyo Narita International Airport in May 2025 and to Seoul Incheon International Airport in October 2025. These routes will see competition from Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines, Asiana Airlines, and Korean Air.

Alaska Airlines aims to offer at least 12 non-stop global destinations by 2030, contributing $1.5 billion in revenue. Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer of Alaska Air Group, stated that the new service between Seattle and Tokyo Narita "enables us to right-size our capacity between Hawaiʻi and Japan."

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The group plans to reposition Airbus A330 widebodies from Hawaiian Airlines' fleet for these new flights. They highlighted Seattle's strategic location as an international hub due to its proximity to 90% of the world's population compared to other West Coast airports like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Alaska Air Group intends to enhance its hub structure at both Seattle and Portland International Airport (PDX). This adjustment aims to provide more one-stop connections and unlock new demand pools. The addressable North American guests in Seattle are expected to grow by 20% to 35.5 million.

Harrison emphasized Portland's role in freeing up Seattle for high-value international traffic. By August 2025, Alaska Air Group plans to offer more connecting seats and destinations from Seattle than competitors at major US West Coast hubs.

Seattle is identified as a significant market for Asia and Oceania demand within the US. Harrison noted that including loyal guests from surrounding states increases the potential passenger pool significantly.

Despite existing competition on some routes like those between Seattle and London Heathrow or Paris Charles De Gaulle airports, Alaska Air Group sees opportunities leveraging its regional strength. With a notable Indian community around Seattle, there is potential for serving destinations in Asia such as India.