Alaska Airlines expands long-haul routes after Hawaiian merger

The airline's loyalty program members have shown significant interest in international travel. Brett Catlin, Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances, and Sales at Alaska Airlines, mentioned that many Mileage Plan members are eager for global travel on Alaska flights.

Alaska Airlines announced new long-haul destinations from Seattle-Tacoma: Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN). Flights to Tokyo began on May 12, while services to Seoul will start on September 12 using Hawaiian Airlines’ 787-9 aircraft.

In addition to passenger services, Jason Berry, Executive Vice President of Cargo at Alaska Airlines and President of Horizon Air, emphasized the importance of cargo demand. Tokyo and Seoul rank as major cargo export markets in Asia.

On June 3, Alaska Airlines revealed plans for a new route from Seattle-Tacoma to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO), set to commence in May 2026 with ticket sales starting in fall 2025. Minicucci expressed personal significance about this addition due to his Italian-American heritage.

The airline aims to expand its international destinations list from Seattle-Tacoma to at least 12 by 2030. Harrison pointed out that Seattle is closer than Los Angeles or San Francisco when flying from Tokyo or Seoul and serves as a key market for local demand in Asia and Europe.

Data indicates high demand for flights between Seattle-Tacoma and popular destinations like London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Tokyo-Haneda, Seoul-Incheon, and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).