Alaska Airlines is taking a big step forward in connecting the Pacific Northwest with daily flights from its hub in Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT), in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines. This move signifies the start of a promising new chapter in international travel for Alaska Airlines, positioning Seattle as the premier global hub on the US West Coast. Seattle Tacoma now stands as the most convenient stopover for travelers heading to Tokyo, boasting a 7% shorter distance than San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 13% closer than Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

CEO Ben Minicucci of Alaska Air Group expressed the airline's excitement about this milestone, highlighting the possibilities that their expanding fleet of widebody aircraft, including the impressive 787 Dreamliner, will unlock. The company is looking ahead to launching more international routes over the next decade, with plans to serve at least 12 international destinations from Seattle by 2030, including routes to Europe.

Tokyo holds the second spot as Seattle’s largest intercontinental market, following London in first place and Seoul in third. The significant number of daily passengers traveling between Seattle and Tokyo, surpassing 400 in each direction in 2024, reflects the growing demand for this route.

While the initial Seattle-Tokyo flights will operate using Hawaiian Airlines' Airbus A330 aircraft, Alaska Airlines is gearing up to introduce its own Boeing 787-9 jets for future international services. The airline intends to enhance the in-flight experience, drawing inspiration from Hawaiian Airlines' renowned hospitality, as they work towards crafting a top-notch long-haul journey departing from Seattle.

Alaska Airlines is also looking to revamp Hawaiian's Airbus A330 fleet based in Honolulu, with plans to upgrade seating, cabin interiors, and onboard amenities for flights to and from Hawaii. Further details on the fleet refurbishment project are expected to be unveiled in 2026, promising an elevated travel experience for passengers venturing between Seattle, Tokyo, and beyond. Welcome to a new era of transpacific travel!