Next spring, Alaska Airlines will launch two new non-stop routes from Seattle to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, Iceland. On August 5th, Alaska has shown its bold new livery designed to resemble the Northern Lights which will adorn the airline’s growing fleet of up to 17 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
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Flights to London and Reykjavik are scheduled to begin flying in Spring 2026. They mark the 4th and 5th of at least 12 intercontinental destinations Alaska Airlines will serve from Seattle by 2030. Tickets for the new routes will be available to book on alaskaair.com later this Fall.
Seattle-London
“We’ll offer daily, year-round service to the British capital – one of the most sought-after international destinations and business markets – on our widebody 787-9 aircraft, featuring 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats in Business Class. The Seattle-London route is popular with both corporate and leisure travelers who are eager for premium onboard amenities and services. London is the largest intercontinental market from Seattle, with more than 400 passengers traveling between the two vibrant cities every day.”
Seattle-Reykjavik
This route will fly daily during the summer season when the days are long and bright in Iceland. Alaska will fly the route with 737-8 MAX aircraft, designed for this type of long-range flying. Iceland remains a bucket-list destination for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and Reykjavik will continue to serve our guests as a convenient gateway to the European continent.
A new look for Boeing 787-9
“As we expand to new markets in Asia and Europe from Seattle, we’re introducing the first phase of a new global experience for long-haul flying to our guests on the 787-9 aircraft – an evolution of the Alaska brand that reflects a bold vision for international growth and our commitment to connecting the Pacific Northwest to destinations around the world. It starts with the striking exterior design – the livery – where the Alaska name remains but with an all-new look and feel. The 787-9s with the new livery debut in January. By spring, all Dreamliners in our fleet are scheduled to showcase the new design.”
The new 787-9 exterior design draws inspiration from the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This phenomenon captivates global audiences, and it’s an experience that’s well known across the state of Alaska.
The Alaska Native on Alaska narrowbody aircraft and Pualani on all Hawaiian Airlines’ aircraft flying to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands are not going away. They will remain unchanged as essential elements of the brands’ legacies and history.
To support Alaska’s transformation, Alaska Airlines is establishing a 787-9 hub in Seattle that will deploy as many as 17 787s across the global network. “In addition to our existing 737 pilot base, we will open a new pilot base to support 787 operations beginning next spring. We currently have 4 Dreamliners in the fleet.”
The long-haul Dreamliner experience will be available from the Pacific Northwest when service begins between Seattle and Seoul-Incheon on September 12th, and on the existing Seattle-Tokyo Narita route starting on January 7th, 2026. Flights to Rome are scheduled to begin next Spring.
Enhancing the Airbus widebody fleet
The Airbus 330s will remain dedicated to international long-haul and Continental U.S. flying to and from Hawaiʻi, operated by Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu. To enhance the travel experience for guests, the airline is making substantial investments to the on-board experience over the next few years, including all-new interiors with updated lie-flat seats, a new Premium Economy cabin and upgraded main cabin seats.