(SEATTLE) Alaska Airlines is moving quickly to put Hawaiian Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to work on long-haul flights from Seattle after completing a $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian in September 2024. Company plans call for a dedicated 787 hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a new pilot base opening in March 2026, and a slate of fresh intercontinental routes that push the carrier far beyond its traditional West Coast footprint. The move is part of a larger shift to turn Alaska into a true global competitor while Hawaiian’s widebody growth is scaled back to focus on Hawaiʻi-to-mainland and select Pacific operations.
Alaska inherited Hawaiian’s 787 orderbook and existing aircraft as part of the deal and has since exercised purchase rights for five more jets from that order. As of August 28, 2025, the airline holds 13 firm commitments for 787-9s, in addition to four already in the fleet, and plans to fly as many as 17 across its network, according to company updates shared with industry outlets. The 787-9’s long range and fuel savings are the centerpiece of this strategy, allowing Alaska to add cities in Asia and Europe while competing more directly with Delta in Seattle.
Fleet transfer, deployments, and timeline
The 787-9 base in Seattle underpins a route map that is broadening in stages through 2025 and 2026.
Key deployments and launches:
– Seattle–Tokyo Narita: currently operated with A330s; switching to the 787 on January 7, 2026.
– Seattle–Seoul Incheon: launching September 12, 2025.
– Seattle–Rome Fiumicino: launching May 2026.
– Seattle–London Heathrow: daily, year-round service announced for 2026.
By the end of the decade, Alaska aims to operate at least 12 long-haul intercontinental routes from Seattle. The airline frames this as a practical use of aircraft it acquired through the merger: Hawaiian initially intended the Dreamliners to fuel its own international growth, but those plans became harder to sustain. Alaska believes the same jets can perform better when deployed from Seattle, where demand for business and leisure travel to Asia and Europe runs deeper and more year-round.
Operational integration and support systems
Network expansion is paired with behind-the-scenes work to integrate a widebody fleet into Alaska’s operations.
- Training, maintenance planning, and crew scheduling are being aligned to support the new routes.
- A new Seattle pilot base is slated to open in March 2026 to staff long-haul flights.
- A single operating certificate for the two airlines is targeted for late 2026, intended to simplify operations and reduce duplicated work.
These changes are designed to help with aircraft swaps, irregular operations recovery, and crew assignments across the combined network.
Hawaiian’s role and A330 strategy
While the Dreamliners will wear Alaska colors, Hawaiian isn’t disappearing from long-haul entirely.
- Hawaiian will continue operating Airbus A330s from Honolulu, focusing on U.S. mainland and select international routes tied to Hawaiʻi.
- Those A330s are slated for refreshed cabins and new premium products over the next few years, emphasizing Hawaiian’s core island market and customer base.
Brand, livery, and reactions
Branding has become an emotional flashpoint in the merger.
- All ex-Hawaiian 787s are being repainted in Alaska’s new “global livery,” removing Hawaiian’s iconic Pualani and flower motifs.
- Some Hawaiian customers and employees are disappointed by the loss of a symbol tied to island identity.
- Alaska’s rationale: one consistent brand is needed to present a unified global network and avoid confusion in international markets.
This decision has generated strong reactions, balancing the desire for a unified global brand against the cultural and emotional ties of Hawaiian’s visual identity.
Cargo integration and commercial impact
Cargo plays a major role in the merger economics:
- The 787s add substantial belly-hold capacity, complementing Hawaiian’s existing cargo operations, including an Amazon contract and A330 freighter activity.
- In Q2 2025, Alaska reported a 34% increase in cargo revenue, aided by joint booking systems and wider freight options.
- Growth benefits Pacific Northwest exporters and e-commerce flows across the Pacific and to Europe.
Practical changes for small cargo shippers:
– Wider booking windows and more lane options on passenger flights.
– Better access to Pacific Northwest export routes for seafood, high-value tech components, and time-sensitive e-commerce.
Onboard products and passenger experience
Alaska’s 787s and Hawaiian’s A330s will see product upgrades aimed at long-haul comfort:
- Alaska’s 787s are slated for new lie-flat seats and premium economy offerings.
- Hawaiian’s A330s will receive targeted refreshes for the island market.
- These upgrades matter most on overnight trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flights where sleep, workspace, and meal service shape the trip experience.
Alaska emphasizes cabin consistency so passengers can expect similar sleep, dining, and entertainment options across the 787 schedule.
Strategic rationale — key takeaways
The strategic logic behind reallocating the 787s includes:
- Global reach from a strong home base: 787-9 range and efficiency support year-round flying from Seattle.
- Better aircraft placement: redeploying jets to routes with steadier demand in the Pacific Northwest.
- Head-to-head competition: increased pressure on Delta at Seattle, expanding options for travelers and corporate travel managers.
- Faster growth from merger benefits: immediate access to widebody jets and international authorities accelerates Alaska’s global plan.
Industry analysts view the move as a rational step to balance ambition with sustainable economics, though it remains controversial among some Hawaiian employees and loyalists.
Practical guidance for travelers
Travelers should plan for the practical side of international trips:
- For visa and entry guidance, refer to official sources before booking; rules vary by country and nationality.
- The U.S. government’s visa resource: U.S. Department of State – Visas.
- Airline sites for schedules, product details, and updates:
Customer service phone numbers:
– Alaska Airlines: 1-800-252-7522
– Hawaiian Airlines: 1-800-367-5320
Market context and demand signals
Analysis from industry sources highlights demand patterns that support Alaska’s timing:
- Pent-up demand for trans-Pacific travel and tech/manufacturing links feeding Seoul and Tokyo.
- Leisure pull to Rome and London, adding downstream network connections.
- Corporate travel budgets that favor nonstop options for time savings.
VisaVerge.com and other analysts note the deployment timing aligns with wider mobility trends, capacity shifts in winter, and demand recovery.
What’s next — fleet and dates to watch
Alaska plans to keep building the 787 fleet as routes prove out, potentially reaching 17 Dreamliners in service. Important dates for travelers:
- September 12, 2025: Seattle–Seoul Incheon launch.
- January 7, 2026: Seattle–Tokyo Narita switches to the 787.
- May 2026: Seattle–Rome Fiumicino launch.
- 2026: Daily, year-round Seattle–London Heathrow.
The livery debate will likely continue, but the operational picture is clear: 787s in Alaska colors, a Seattle pilot base on the way, more long-haul options on sale, and Hawaiian’s A330s doubling down on island routes.
For many travelers, the most visible change will be simple: more nonstops, newer cabins, and choices that didn’t exist a year ago.
This Article in a Nutshell
Alaska Airlines is deploying Hawaiian Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to build a long-haul hub in Seattle after acquiring Hawaiian for $1.9 billion in September 2024. The carrier has exercised purchase rights and holds 13 firm 787-9 commitments plus four already in service, aiming for up to 17 aircraft. New long-haul routes include Seattle–Seoul (Sept 12, 2025), Seattle–Tokyo switching to 787 (Jan 7, 2026), Seattle–Rome (May 2026), and daily Seattle–London service in 2026. Operational integration covers training, maintenance, a Seattle pilot base in March 2026, and a single operating certificate targeted for late 2026. Hawaiian will continue A330 operations focused on Hawaiʻi, while cargo synergies and cabin upgrades support the merged strategy. Repainting ex-Hawaiian 787s in Alaska’s global livery has provoked cultural pushback but aims to present a unified international brand. The plan positions Alaska to compete more directly with Delta from Seattle and expand nonstop options to Asia and Europe.
