Alaska Airlines Launches Daily SEA–Narita Flights
Alaska Airlines has entered a “new era” of long-haul service with the launch of daily flights from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport to Tokyo Narita, operated by Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This marks Alaska’s first regular widebody international service from its Pacific Northwest hub and positions Seattle as a major West Coast gateway to Asia. The partnership with Hawaiian leverages its A330 fleet while Alaska builds out its own Boeing 787–9 Dreamliner long-haul network.
The Seattle–Tokyo Narita service offers a flight time of approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes each way. For passengers originating outside Seattle, Alaska highlights that SEA is seven percent closer to Tokyo than San Francisco International and 13 percent closer than Los Angeles International, reducing travel time and fuel burn on transpacific routes. With roughly 400 travelers flying each direction daily on the Seattle–Tokyo market in 2024—excluding connecting traffic—the demand for nonstop service has been evident.
“Deploying widebody aircraft from Seattle unlocks a world of possibilities,” said Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci. “Our growing widebody fleet, including the flagship 787 Dreamliner, will allow us to serve at least 12 international destinations from SEA by 2030.” Minicucci added that additional routes to Europe and beyond will be announced in the coming years, as Alaska works to establish Seattle as the United States’ new global hub.
Currently, onboard service mirrors Hawaiian Airlines’ renowned hospitality, with meals, amenity kits and cabin crews in Hawaiian uniform. Alaska plans to maintain this experience until its own long-haul product is ready. Future flights will be operated by Alaska’s expanding 787–9 fleet, offering lie-flat seating, premium dining, high-speed connectivity and enhanced in-flight entertainment. Alaska also confirmed plans to refresh Hawaiian’s Honolulu-based A330 interiors with updated seating, cabin finishes and amenities ahead of redeployment.
Tokyo ranks as Seattle’s second-largest intercontinental market for both business and leisure; London holds the top spot, followed by Seoul in third. By restoring nonstop links to Tokyo Narita, Alaska and Hawaiian provide seamless travel for business travelers, families and tourists seeking direct connections to Japan. The flight’s early morning departures from SEA and late-night arrivals from Narita cater to optimal connection times across the network.
This partnership complements Alaska’s existing alliances and equity investments with global carriers such as Air France-KLM, LATAM, Aeroméxico and Hainan Airlines. By collaborating with Hawaiian, Alaska benefits from established A330 operations while it readies its own 787-9s for transpacific service. The move also aligns with Seattle’s rapid growth as an aviation center, supported by record cargo volumes and a thriving tech-driven economy.
As of May 12, 2025, travelers can book nonstop SEA–Narita flights on Alaska and Hawaiian codeshares. Passengers booked in premium cabins will enjoy priority boarding, complimentary meal service, amenity kits and access to Alaska Lounges or Hawaiian’s Hangar Lounge at SEA. Economy guests receive complimentary snacks, beverages and the option to upgrade to Premium Class for added legroom and expedited service.
Alaska Airlines expansion into long-haul international markets underscores its transformation from a regional carrier into a global competitor. With Seattle–Narita flights now underway, the airline sets the stage for future nonstop connections across Asia and Europe, enhancing convenience and strengthening its international footprint from the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
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