Alaska Airlines announces first transatlantic routes plus new Boeing 787 livery debut

Alaska will also introduce a seasonal daily service between Seattle and Reykjavík during peak summer months using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. These planes feature 159 seats—12 in first class and 30 extra-legroom seats in the main cabin. Icelandair currently operates three daily flights on this route using Airbus A321s.

Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, commented on the expansion: “With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us. I’m so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come.”

Alongside new routes, Alaska Airlines previewed a redesigned livery for its Boeing 787-9 fleet serving intercontinental destinations. The updated design features deep midnight blues and emerald greens inspired by the Aurora Borealis—a natural phenomenon associated with Alaska—and includes flowing lines already present in current liveries.

Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines, said: “Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage. As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service we’ve long been known for.”

Brand elements such as the depiction of an Alaska Native figure on narrowbody aircraft will remain unchanged; similarly Pualani will continue appearing on Hawaiian Airlines’ planes serving Hawaii-related routes.

Currently operating four Boeing 787-9s acquired through its purchase of Hawaiian Airlines—with plans for that number to grow to seventeen—Alaska intends further fleet realignment as it aims for twelve intercontinental destinations by decade’s end. The airline is establishing a pilot base for Dreamliners at its Seattle hub while shifting existing widebodies there.

Upcoming changes include launching Dreamliner service between Seattle and Seoul-Incheon beginning September 12; switching equipment from A330s to Dreamliners on its Tokyo Narita route starting January 7; followed by inaugurating Dreamliner flights from Seattle to London and Rome next spring.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330-200 fleet will focus primarily on international long-haul operations centered around Honolulu—the group’s second-largest hub—and continental U.S.-bound services. Over several years ahead, investment is planned in onboard products including all-new interiors featuring upgraded lie-flat seating options alongside premium economy cabins.