Alaska Airlines Eyes Europe Flights Using Hawaiian Jets by 2026

Alaska Airlines plans to launch its first transatlantic service in 2026, using widebody aircraft from its new subsidiary, Hawaiian Airlines. CEO Ben Minicucci confirmed the plan in an interview with the Seattle Times, marking the airline’s entry into the European market.

While the destination has not been disclosed, the service will depart from Seattle Tacoma International, Alaska’s main hub. The move builds on Alaska’s upcoming long-haul expansion, including new routes to Tokyo Narita launched in May 2025 and Seoul Incheon set to begin in September 2025. These flights are operated by Hawaiian Airlines using Airbus A330-200s under the ‘HA’ code.

Neither Alaska nor Hawaiian has previously served Europe, but the merger through Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings provides Alaska Airlines with immediate access to widebody aircraft and long-haul expertise. Alaska has never operated widebody aircraft in its history.

Hawaiian Airlines contributes 24 A330-200s and 3 Boeing 787-9s to the group’s fleet. An additional nine Boeing 787-9s are on order, with deliveries scheduled through 2028. The A330s will remain based in Honolulu, while some 787s will be maintained at a new base on the U.S. West Coast.

Hawaiian currently uses its 787s on mainland U.S. routes, including Los Angeles and New York JFK, while the A330s serve both domestic and international destinations in Asia and the Pacific.

Alaska Airlines Group aims to secure a single operating certificate by late 2025 but will maintain both brands due to their strong regional identities, particularly Hawaiian’s presence in the state of Hawaii.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com