Alaska Airlines Expands Horizons with New Direct Seattle to Rome service
Marking a critically important milestone, Alaska Airlines is preparing to introduce nonstop flights connecting Seattle directly to rome. This launch, slated for May 2025, represents the airline’s first-ever direct route into Europe. Tickets for this exciting new journey will be available starting this fall.
Harnessing Fleet Expansion Through Strategic Acquisition
The airline’s entry into long-haul international travel has been made possible by its recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. This deal added Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft-known for their advanced fuel efficiency and passenger comfort-to Alaska’s fleet. These state-of-the-art planes will serve the Seattle-Rome corridor with four weekly departures, enhancing both operational capability and traveler experience.
Seattle: Emerging as a Global Aviation Hub
Alaska Airlines envisions transforming Seattle into a pivotal international gateway. The company aims to tap into high-demand global markets that resonate with its customer base.The introduction of the Rome route is just one step in an aspiring plan to broaden its long-distance network throughout the coming years.
Aligning Services with Traveler Preferences and Market Dynamics
The decision to initiate service between Seattle and Italy stems from insights gathered through alaska’s Mileage Plan loyalty program,where travelers expressed strong interest in direct flights to Italian destinations. Italy continues to rank among top choices for U.S.-based tourists; meanwhile, major competitors such as Delta air Lines and United have recently expanded nonstop offerings not only to Rome but also Sicily and other key Italian cities.
Strengthening Asian Connections Alongside European Growth
Apart from expanding transatlantic routes, Alaska Airlines has been actively growing its presence across Asia. Earlier this year, it launched nonstop flights from Seattle to Tokyo Narita Airport-a route currently achieving approximately 80% load factors-demonstrating solid demand that also supports increased cargo transport between these hubs. Looking ahead, new service linking Seattle with Seoul is planned for September 2025.
Navigating Regulatory Milestones for Fleet Integration
A vital component of fully merging Hawaiian Airlines’ operations involves securing Federal Aviation administration (FAA) approval for unified certification under one operating certificate-a process anticipated by late 2024. Achieving this will allow streamlined management of all aircraft within the combined network as Alaska scales up its international flight offerings.
