Alaska Airlines to Add Five More Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Alaska Airlines, now operating as Alaska-Hawaiian following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, is set to expand its wide-body fleet by exercising options for five additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The decision was confirmed via the Alaska Pilots Podcast released on July 2, 2025, and aligns with the airline’s strategy to boost long-haul and transpacific operations.
In addition to the 787-9s, Alaska-Hawaiian is also firming options for more Boeing 737-10 aircraft. As part of the wide-body expansion, the airline plans to establish a new 787 pilot base in Seattle. The base will initially host 15 captains and 30 first officers, with training open to current Alaska pilots. However, a unified pilot contract has not yet been finalized post-merger.
The Boeing 787s will be key to Alaska’s long-haul ambitions. The carrier plans to launch its first European route—Seattle to Rome—in May 2026 using the 787-9. Prior to acquiring Hawaiian, Alaska operated only narrow-body jets. The merger now gives the airline access to a fleet of wide-body aircraft suitable for global routes.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is being developed into a global hub, with Alaska aiming to serve at least 12 international destinations using the 787 by 2030. Hawaiian’s transpacific expertise and fleet are expected to accelerate that growth.
The addition of five new Dreamliners positions Alaska-Hawaiian to compete in long-haul markets and strengthens its presence across Asia-Pacific and Europe from its West Coast base.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airwaysmag.com