Friday, June 6, 2025

headquartered at has announced that it will begin serving its first European destination, in May 2026. This exciting development marks a major step forward for the airline, which is also nearing the completion of a significant operational milestone. Alaska Airlines and its subsidiary, Hawaiian Airlines, are in the final stages of securing a single operating certificate from the (), which will streamline their operations and further expand their international reach.

The announcement of the Seattle-Rome route highlights Alaska Airlines’ growing presence on the global stage. According to a press release issued by the airline, the new route will initially operate four times a week. Hawaiian Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 aircraft, known for their efficiency and passenger comfort, will be used on this route, though the flights will be operated by Alaska Airlines. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for both airlines, who are aligning their operations under a unified certificate system.

The partnership between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which has been evolving since the merger of the two carriers, is a key factor in this expansion. The airlines expect to finalize the single operating certificate by autumn of 2025, which will streamline flight operations and enhance efficiency. This milestone is part of a broader strategic initiative that is poised to transform the airline into a more formidable player in the international aviation market.

This new European route is part of Alaska Airlines’ ambitious plan to strengthen Seattle as the West Coast’s “premier global gateway.” The airline’s expanded international network includes Tokyo Narita, which The service to Tokyo Narita commenced on May 12, followed by the upcoming launch to Seoul Incheon on September 12. Rome Fiumicino will become the third long-haul international destination served by Alaska Airlines from Seattle using widebody aircraft. This expansion is a critical component of the airline’s three-year strategic plan to generate an additional USD 1 billion in profits following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

The airline’s decision to connect Seattle with Rome underscores the increasing demand for transatlantic air travel and the desire to offer passengers more convenient access to key international hubs. The addition of Rome is also significant because it expands Alaska Airlines’ footprint in Europe, a market the airline has previously been less prominent in compared to its competitors.

Earlier in 2025, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Miniccuci revealed that the airline is targeting a total of twelve long-haul destinations from Seattle by 2030. This vision includes a blend of international cities, with a particular focus on expanding routes that leverage the strategic positioning of Seattle as a major West Coast hub. As the airline moves forward with this expansion, the Rome route will serve as an important stepping stone for future developments.

The announcement is part of Alaska Airlines’ broader strategy to enhance its long-haul network, making the airline more competitive in the transatlantic market. Rome, with its rich cultural heritage and status as a key European capital, is expected to be a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. Additionally, this route will create new opportunities for travelers to connect to other parts of Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

As of now, Alaska Airlines operates a fleet of 240 aircraft, which includes a diverse range of Boeing 737 models and other aircraft suited for both domestic and international routes. The fleet comprises eleven B737-700s, three B737-700(BDSF)s, five B737-8s, fifty-nine B737-800s, two B737-800(BCF)s, seventy-nine B737-9s, three B737-900s, and seventy-nine B737-900ERs. In addition, its regional subsidiary, Horizon Air, operates forty-five Embraer E175 aircraft, which are used primarily for short-haul regional flights.

Hawaiian Airlines’ international fleet consists of 73 aircraft, including 24 A330-200s, nine A330-300(P2F) freighters, 19 B717-200s, and three B787-9s. The B787-9 is one of the most advanced aircraft in Hawaiian’s fleet, and its deployment on the Seattle-Rome route is a testament to the airline’s commitment to providing a premium flying experience for its passengers.

In a separate development, Alaska Airlines’ parent company, Alaska Air Group, has temporarily delayed the delivery of new Embraer-manufactured jets for Horizon Air. The delay is attributed to concerns over the impact of import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Specifically, two Embraer E175 aircraft, originally scheduled for delivery in May, have been postponed due to anticipated cost increases resulting from these tariffs.

The decision to delay these aircraft deliveries was reported by The Seattle Times, which indicated that Horizon Air’s parent company would not accept additional costs imposed by the tariffs. Despite this setback, Horizon Air still expects to receive five more E175 jets in the future, ensuring that the airline remains on track to meet its fleet expansion goals.

As Alaska Airlines continues to expand its reach both domestically and internationally, the Seattle-Rome route will be a key part of its growing network. With the introduction of the new route, along with the continued rollout of long-haul flights from Seattle, the airline is well-positioned to meet its target of serving twelve international destinations by 2030.

Alaska Airlines’ strategic investments in its fleet and partnerships, such as its collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines, are setting the stage for an exciting future. As the airline works toward finalizing its single operating certificate, it is clear that its focus on global expansion and customer experience will drive its success in the coming years.

In conclusion, Alaska Airlines’ decision to serve Rome Fiumicino as its first European destination is a bold move that reflects the airline’s commitment to growth and its vision for the future. With strong operational plans in place and an ambitious expansion strategy, Alaska Airlines is positioning itself to become a major player on the global stage, connecting Seattle to key destinations around the world.