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Alaska Airlines launches first intercontinental route with Seattle–Tokyo service

Alaska Airlines launches first intercontinental route with Seattle–Tokyo service
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Webp ben minicucci
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines | Linkedin

Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of its first intercontinental route, a daily nonstop service from Seattle to Tokyo Narita, operated by Hawaiian Airlines.

According to Alaska Airlines' official newsroom, the airline inaugurated this new service on May 12, 2025. The route connects Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and is operated using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This aircraft offers 278 seats in a three-class configuration. Alaska Airlines emphasized that this launch marks the beginning of a new phase in its international growth strategy as it begins long-haul operations from its Seattle hub.

As reported by One Mile at a Time, the SEA–NRT route operates under Hawaiian Airlines flight numbers HA823 and HA824. It features lie-flat seats in Business Class and Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity onboard. The westbound flight takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes, while the return journey eastbound is about 9 hours and 5 minutes. This codeshare arrangement allows Alaska Airlines to provide premium long-haul service through its partnership while utilizing Hawaiian’s established aircraft and crew.

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According to KIRO 7 News, Seattle’s strategic proximity to Asia makes it an ideal gateway for transpacific flights. It is approximately 7% closer to Tokyo than San Francisco and 13% closer than Los Angeles. Tokyo ranks as the second-largest international market for Seattle travelers, highlighting strong demand for nonstop access. Alaska Airlines also announced plans to add nonstop flights to Seoul Incheon starting September 12, 2025, continuing its expansion into Asia.

Alaska Airlines, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a major U.S. airline serving over 115 destinations across North America. According to the airline’s profile on Wikipedia, Alaska is a member of the Oneworld alliance and has strengthened its international strategy through codeshares with global partners like Japan Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas. Following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, Alaska has outlined plans to serve at least 12 international destinations from Seattle by 2030, leveraging both narrowbody and widebody fleets for expansion.

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