SEATTLE- Alaska Airlines (AS) and merged Hawaiian Airlines are expanding their international flight network, transforming Seattle (SEA) into a strategic global hub for transpacific travel.
The airline will introduce nonstop services to Japan and South Korea in 2025, significantly enhancing connectivity for passengers across the Pacific Northwest.
Alaska Airlines New Flights from Seattle
Starting May 12, 2025, daily nonstop flights will connect Seattle with Tokyo Narita (NRT), utilizing Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Travelers can now book these routes through Airlines’ websites.
Passengers will benefit from seamless connections to additional Asian destinations via oneworld Alliance partner Japan Airlines.
The new widebody service between Seattle and Tokyo Narita allows the airlines to dynamically adjust capacity in response to pandemic-induced changes in leisure travel demand.
By shifting aircraft deployment from the Honolulu-Tokyo Narita route to the new Seattle route, Hawaiian Airlines will simultaneously enhance its Tokyo market presence. The carrier will increase its service to Tokyo Haneda from 12 to 14 weekly flights, providing travelers with more flexible options for reaching Japan’s capital.
This move maintains Hawaiian’s robust Japan network, which continues to include nonstop services between Honolulu and Osaka and Fukuoka, totaling 24 weekly roundtrips.
Following the Tokyo route, the Seattle-Seoul Incheon (ICN) nonstop service is scheduled to commence in October 2025. Ticket sales for this route will open early next year, with comprehensive flight details to be announced subsequently.
The Seattle hub represents a critical asset for the Group, currently serving 104 nonstop destinations across North America. The company has ambitious expansion plans, targeting at least 12 nonstop global destinations with long-haul widebody aircraft from Seattle by 2030.
Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci emphasized the strategic significance of these new routes, stating,
We believe our guests will be as excited as we are about these new nonstop flights to Tokyo and Seoul – two of the world’s most dynamic cities. From our global gateway in Seattle, we can conveniently connect travelers from across our network as they head to Asia and beyond. Hawaiian’s spacious widebody aircraft, along with its excellent onboard service and amenities, will make for a terrific trip from one side of the Pacific Rim to the other.”
Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci
More Flights to Hawaii
The domestic network optimization represents a critical component of the merged airlines’ strategic integration. Leadership aims to improve operational performance, unlock growth opportunities, and elevate passenger experience through carefully planned network adjustments.
These modifications will commence in late March with the spring schedule and continue progressive implementation through the second quarter.
Alaska Air Group is implementing network enhancements between the West Coast and Hawaiʻi, focusing on increased capacity, improved scheduling, and enhanced passenger connectivity. The strategic adjustments will provide travelers with more flight options and improved travel experiences across multiple West Coast gateways.
Here’s the summary of an update as reported by Ishrion Aviation:
Honolulu Route Frequency Enhancements
Hawaiian Airlines will dramatically increase flights to critical West Coast markets:
- Honolulu to Seattle: Expanding from 1 to 4 daily flights, utilizing 3 A330 and 1 A321neo aircraft
- Honolulu to Portland: Increasing from 1 to 3 daily flights with 3 A321neo aircraft
- Honolulu to San Diego: Growing from 1 to 3 daily flights, featuring 1 A330 and 2 A321neo aircraft
- Honolulu to San Francisco: Expanding from 1 to 2 daily flights with 1 A330 and 1 A321neo aircraft
- Honolulu to Los Angeles: Maintaining 4 daily flights, including 2 Boeing 787s
Alaska Airlines New Hawaii Routes
Alaska Airlines is introducing multiple new routes to Hawaiian destinations:
- Kona to Los Angeles: Daily flights starting June 12, operated by Hawaiian
- Kona to San Francisco: 4 weekly flights beginning June 12, a previously unserved route
- Lihue to San Francisco: 3 weekly flights commencing June 13, another new market connection
- Kahului to Portland: Adding a second daily flight in the upcoming summer schedule
New Routes and Fleet Enhancements
Alaska Airlines will launch new nonstop flights connecting San Francisco with two additional Hawaiian Islands, significantly enhancing West Coast travel options. Starting June 12, 2025, the carrier will introduce four weekly flights to Kona on Hawai’i Island, with three weekly flights to Līhu’e on Kauaʻi beginning June 13, 2025.
These additions will bring San Francisco’s total nonstop flights to four daily routes across the four main Hawaiian Islands, solidifying the airport’s status as a key West Coast hub.
Hawaiian Airlines is implementing strategic fleet utilization improvements to maximize aircraft productivity and operational efficiency. The Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321 aircraft will experience increased daily flight hours, resulting in 25% more flying time for A321 aircraft.
This approach addresses potential challenges from delayed Boeing 737 deliveries while enabling network expansion and creating additional union employment opportunities.
The airlines continue progressing toward obtaining a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, with completion expected by October 2025. Until the certificate is issued, both airlines will maintain separate operational structures.
Despite the merger, the company remains committed to preserving the distinct brand identities that customers have come to appreciate.
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