Alaska Airlines Charts Bold Transatlantic Course With Daily Seattle-London Service Starting Spring 2026
Steve Cummings
Fri, December 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM EST
4 min read
Alaska Airlines is making its most ambitious international expansion yet, announcing daily nonstop service from Seattle to London Heathrow beginning spring 2026 as the carrier transforms into a premium global airline following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.
Alaska Airlines is accelerating its future as a premium global carrier, charting a bold new course across the Atlantic with the launch of nonstop routes to London Heathrow and Reykjavik, Iceland, from its growing global gateway in Seattle starting next spring.
Largest Intercontinental Market from Seattle
London is the largest intercontinental market from Seattle, with more than 400 passengers traveling between the two vibrant cities every day, making it a strategic choice for Alaska's transatlantic debut.
Alaska will offer daily, year-round service to the British capital on its widebody 787-9 aircraft, featuring 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats in Business Class. The route targets both corporate and leisure travelers seeking premium onboard amenities and expanded connectivity options.
Strategic Market Entry
CEO Ben Minicucci emphasized the significance of the expansion: "With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up".
As a gateway to Europe, this daily flight will connect guests throughout the West Coast to London and other destinations served by Alaska's extensive partner network, while also providing guests in the states of Alaska and Hawaii with conveniently timed connectivity to a highly desired market.
Fleet and Infrastructure Expansion
The London service will utilize Alaska's growing Boeing 787-9 fleet, featuring a striking new global livery inspired by the aurora borealis. Alaska Air Group's 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines provided the carrier with access to widebody aircraft for the first time, accelerating its long-haul expansion plans.
The carrier currently operates four 787-9s and will open a new pilot base in Seattle to support the aircraft type beginning in spring 2026. Alaska is debuting its striking global exterior design that will be featured on its growing fleet of up to 17 widebody 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Competitive Landscape
The Seattle-London market is currently served by British Airways, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic, with about 14,700 two-way weekly seats. Alaska's entry will provide travelers with additional scheduling options and premium capacity.
Alaska's expansion into the London market, facilitated by strengthened collaborations with American Airlines and British Airways, presents significant opportunities, with these alliances expected to deepen over time.
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Broader International Strategy
The London announcement represents part of a comprehensive international expansion strategy. The long-haul Dreamliner experience will be available when service begins between Seattle and Seoul-Incheon on September 12, and on the existing Seattle-Tokyo Narita route starting on January 7, 2026. Flights to Rome are scheduled to begin next spring.
The carrier plans to have at least 12 nonstop intercontinental flights from Seattle by 2030, establishing the Pacific Northwest hub as a major gateway for global travel.
Reykjavik Addition
Alongside London, Alaska also announced seasonal daily service to Reykjavik, Iceland. Alaska will fly the Reykjavik route with 737-8 MAX aircraft during the summer season when the days are long and bright in Iceland, serving adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts while providing a convenient gateway to the European continent.
Market Positioning
International travel, especially for premium seats, has held up better than U.S. domestic demand, where the market is oversupplied, making Alaska's timing strategic for entering long-haul markets.
The route offers an alternative to those seeking more flight times, greater premium seat capacity, and the ability to earn and redeem valuable miles on Alaska's award-winning loyalty program.
Infrastructure Support
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport currently offers 58 service options to 36 international destinations on 30 different airlines, and with Alaska Airlines' announcement of three new services coming in 2026, SEA will offer over 60 international services.
Premium Experience Investment
Alaska is making substantial investments to the onboard 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, with new premium products and amenities to match the exceptional service provided by flight attendants.
The London route launch represents Alaska Airlines' most significant step toward becoming a global carrier, leveraging its Seattle hub's strategic position and the operational capabilities gained through the Hawaiian Airlines acquisition. As the airline builds toward its goal of 12 intercontinental destinations by 2030, the London service will serve as a flagship route demonstrating Alaska's commitment to premium international service and connectivity for West Coast travelers.
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