Alaska Airlines switches Seattle-Seoul flights to Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Hawaiian is reallocating this Dreamliner from its Honolulu to New York-JFK route, which will revert to using an Airbus A330-200. This adjustment aligns with market needs since the Dreamliner's configuration suits Seattle's business-oriented market better.

Following Alaska's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, both companies aim for a single Air Operating Certificate while maintaining separate brands. Flights involving Hawaii will remain under the Hawaiian brand; others will adopt the Alaska brand.

Currently lacking widebody aircraft, Alaska relies on Hawaiian planes for long-haul operations until their own fleet expands. They have nine Boeing 787-9s on order but must wait for delivery. Meanwhile, they utilize a Hawaiian A330 for Tokyo flights and now a Dreamliner for Seattle-Seoul services.

Seattle’s largest carrier, Alaska Airlines faces competition from Delta Air Lines and Korean Air-Asiana on this route. Delta operates with an Airbus A350-900 featuring various seating options including suites with privacy doors. Korean Air uses a Boeing 787-10 equipped similarly in business class. Asiana operates Boeing 777-200ERs but without privacy doors in business class.

Alaska aims to establish itself as a strong contender in this competitive market by leveraging its partnership with Hawaiian's Dreamliners before integrating its own future fleet.