Alaska upgrades Seattle-Tokyo route with Boeing 787 Dreamliner

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Alaska upgrades Seattle-Tokyo route with Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Research

Alaska Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Jul 24, 2025

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are set to introduce a significant change on their Seattle-Tokyo route. Starting in January, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Hawaiian Airlines will replace the older Airbus A330 currently used between Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Narita Airport (NRT). This move aims to provide travelers with an upgraded cabin experience, featuring business-class suites.

The shift is part of a broader strategy by Alaska Air Group, which owns both airlines, to enhance its competitive edge against Delta Air Lines on transpacific flights. However, this upgrade means reallocating one of Hawaiian's existing Dreamliners from another route.

The merger between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines last year marked the beginning of plans for a global gateway at Seattle. In May, they launched long-haul services with Tokyo as a key destination. Despite initial excitement, the older A330 aircraft was less appealing compared to the new Dreamliner fleet.

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Passengers traveling between early January and mid-April can expect 34 Leihoku suites with sliding privacy doors on the Dreamliner. The company has not disclosed plans for this route beyond April but hinted at future changes.

Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci mentioned plans for all long-haul international routes out of Seattle to be operated by Alaska instead of Hawaiian. Additionally, Alaska announced it would start operating Dreamliner flights to Rome in May 2026.

Travelers looking to book flights using points or miles have several options available through Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles accounts. A new joint loyalty program for both airline brands is expected soon.

Hawaiian Airlines is also expanding its domestic and international flights during peak winter seasons from its Honolulu base. These include increased service to Sydney and Los Angeles, as well as additional flights between Honolulu and Seattle.

"We're excited to offer our guests more options to connect with loved ones or enjoy a warm winter getaway," said Kirsten Amrine, Alaska vice president of revenue management and network planning.