Alaska Airlines celebrated a new global connection with the first nonstop flight between Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Tokyo Narita aboard Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330 long haul aircraft. The daily service marks Alaska’s entry into widebody international flying and positions Seattle as the West Coast’s premier gateway to Asia.
Seattle is seven percent closer to Tokyo than San Francisco and thirteen percent closer than Los Angeles, offering travelers the fastest transpacific link from the continental United States. In 2024 an average of four hundred passengers traveled each day between Seattle and Tokyo, underscoring strong demand for the route.
“Our growing fleet of widebody aircraft including the flagship 787 Dreamliner opens new possibilities from Seattle,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group. “With service to Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon now online and more European destinations planned we will serve at least twelve international cities with widebody jets from SEA by 2030.”
The Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon routes are the first of Alaska’s planned long haul services. Flights to Seoul begin September 12, while Tokyo Narita operates daily on Hawaiian’s A330 with three cabin classes: Business Class with full flat seats, Extra Comfort, and Main Cabin. Business Class features predeparture beverages, elevated meal options with Japanese and Hawaiian influences, mid flight snacks, and complimentary high speed Starlink Wi Fi. All cabins offer Bluetooth connectivity and power outlets at every seat.
“Hawaiian has served the Tokyo market for nearly fifteen years and this partnership opens a new global gateway for Pacific Northwest travelers to experience Hawaiian’s award winning hospitality,” said Joe Sprague, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines.
Seattle’s status as a West Coast aviation hub is further solidified with Alaska’s SEA network spanning one hundred and four nonstop destinations across North America. Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins noted, “This expansion reflects the region’s commitment to international travel and trade and provides more choices for business and leisure travelers.”
Alaska plans to introduce its own widebody service on Boeing 787 9 aircraft in the coming years and develop a dedicated long haul onboard experience. In the meantime Hawaiian’s A330s will be refreshed with premium cabin upgrades including redesigned seats and updated amenities with details to be announced in 2026.
