#United States #Seattle #Alaska Airlines #Hawaiian Airlines #Tokyo Narita

Alaska Airlines Launches a New Era of International Flights

In a significant advancement for air travel in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska Airlines has unveiled its new daily nonstop service from Seattle to Tokyo Narita, operated by Hawaiian Airlines. This inaugural flight, which took off recently, marks the start of a new era in widebody international flying for the airline, connecting the Pacific Northwest directly to Japan.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are working together to transform Seattle-Tacoma International Airport into the West Coast's go-to global gateway. By 2030, Alaska Airlines is committed to expanding its range of destinations, aiming for at least twelve international routes, and the Seattle to Tokyo service represents a crucial step in that plan. The synergy between these two airlines allows them to leverage a shared vision for enhanced connectivity across the Pacific.

One of the strategic advantages is Seattle’s geographical location, which provides a closer access point to Tokyo compared to traditionally popular gateways such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. In fact, Seattle is approximately 7% closer to Tokyo than San Francisco and 13% closer than Los Angeles, making it an attractive starting point for travelers in the United States.

According to Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, the airline’s growing fleet of widebody aircraft, including the flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner, expands their capabilities in international travel. This is just the beginning, as Alaska plans to continue introducing compelling new international routes, tapping into strong demand across various markets, particularly between the U.S. and Asia.

The inaugural launch has seen substantial interest, with a notable portion of ticket sales coming from cities beyond Seattle—over 80 in total—indicating a robust demand for this newly established route. Furthermore, plans to commence flights to Seoul Incheon are set for September, highlighting Alaska's push into significant Asian markets.

Joe Sprague, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, expressed excitement over this partnership, citing it as an opportunity for travelers from the Pacific Northwest to experience Hawaiian Airlines’ renowned hospitality, enriched through a collaborative effort with Alaska Airlines.

Tokyo represents one of the largest international markets for travelers from Seattle, with the route expected to facilitate business and leisure travel alike. In 2024, projections indicated that about 400 passengers traveled between Seattle and Tokyo daily, underscoring the popularity of this connection.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins recognized this launch as a monumental step for Alaska Airlines, reflecting the region's dedication to augmenting international travel and trade possibilities. The establishment of Seattle as a global hub not only benefits travelers but also enhances economic opportunities available to the region.

The inaugural flights will be serviced by Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330s, with three classes of service being offered—Business Class, Extra Comfort, and Main Cabin—each designed to cater to different passenger needs. Directly reflecting Hawaiian Airlines’ brand of hospitality, passengers will enjoy a selection of premium meals influenced by both Japanese and Hawaiian cuisines, free in-flight Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, and a comprehensive entertainment lineup featuring hundreds of movies and television programs.

In celebration of the new service, Alaska Airlines has introduced a special signature cocktail, the Narita Banana, available at the Alaska Lounge in Seattle. This unique offering is a partnership with local distillery Westland Whiskey and Tokyo bar Tokyo Confidential.

Moreover, members of the Mileage Plan will benefit distinctly from this new service. Those who book directly through Alaska’s platforms can earn elite qualifying miles (EQMs) rapidly, making progress toward achieving elite status, providing incentives for frequent flyers.

As Alaska Airlines looks toward the future, it aims to broaden its international footprint significantly, with exciting new destinations on the horizon. The airline not only aspires to enhance the travel experience for passengers but also seeks to position Seattle firmly on the global air travel map as an essential connection point between the U.S. and Asia. Stay tuned for updates as Alaska Airlines continues to reach new milestones in international air travel, leveraging its strong presence in the Pacific Northwest.

Conclusion

The launch of service from Seattle to Tokyo Narita embodies Alaska Airlines' strategic vision and commitment to customer satisfaction and connectivity between major international markets. With ambitious expansion plans, the airline is setting a benchmark in the aviation industry for operational excellence and passenger experience.