Alaska Airlines Launches First Tokyo Flight from Seattle
Alaska Airlines has officially launched its first widebody long-haul service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), marking a new chapter in the carrier’s international expansion strategy. The inaugural flight to Tokyo-Narita Airport (NRT) departed on May 12, 2025, establishing a key trans-Pacific route and the first step toward building a major long-haul hub in the Pacific Northwest.
This new nonstop connection to Japan is part of Alaska Airlines’ broader plan to add at least 12 international destinations from its Seattle base by 2030. The next route in the airline’s trans-Pacific rollout will begin on September 12, 2025, with new service to Seoul-Incheon (ICN), South Korea.
The airline’s entry into long-haul markets has been made possible through its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Since Alaska does not currently operate widebody aircraft, the international services are being flown by Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 fleet. These aircraft offer a three-class cabin layout: Business Class, Extra Comfort, and Main Cabin. For now, the inflight experience remains the same as Hawaiian Airlines’ long-haul offerings from Honolulu, but Alaska Airlines is actively developing its own branded cabin product for future use on these routes.
The Tokyo service is expected to transition to Boeing 787-9 aircraft as Alaska Airlines modernizes its long-haul fleet under the new partnership. These upgrades will enhance fuel efficiency and allow for further expansion into key international markets across Asia and beyond.
The airline’s strategy revolves around leveraging Seattle’s geographical location and its strong domestic network. With over 80 U.S. cities feeding into its Seattle hub, Alaska Airlines reports that connecting passengers make up nearly half of the bookings for the new Tokyo-Narita flight. This hub-and-spoke model aims to make Seattle a competitive trans-Pacific gateway, enabling efficient connections for travelers across the United States.
The launch of this international service reflects Alaska Airlines’ ambition to evolve beyond its traditional short- and medium-haul operations. With the backing of Hawaiian’s long-haul experience and aircraft capabilities, Alaska is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the Asia-Pacific market. As the carrier continues to build out its global footprint, additional routes and a distinct onboard product will play key roles in shaping Alaska’s presence in international aviation.
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