SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines (AS), now operating as Alaska-Hawaiian following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines (HA), is moving forward with plans to expand its wide-body fleet. According to sources familiar with the matter and confirmed via the Alaska Pilots Podcast, the airline is exercising options for five additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
While the move had been circulating internally, public confirmation came through the AS pilots' union podcast released on July 2, 2025. Along with the 787 order, the podcast also confirmed that Alaska-Hawaiian is firming additional options for the Boeing 737-10.
The airline is also preparing to open a new 787 pilot base in Seattle. The base will initially accommodate 15 captains and 30 first officers, with training classes to be made available to current AS pilots. This development comes even though Alaska and Hawaiian pilots have not yet finalized a merged contract.
The 787 expansion aligns with AS-HA’s broader strategy to grow its long-haul and transpacific footprint, leveraging Hawaiian’s established routes and Alaska’s West Coast hubs.
In brief, here is the scope of Alaska Airlines's future operations with the Boeing 787:
- Seattle to Rome Route: Alaska Airlines will launch a new nonstop route between Seattle and Rome in May 2026, which will be operated by a Boeing 787-9. This is Alaska's first European destination and will mark a new chapter for their long-haul flying.
- Utilizing Hawaiian's Fleet: Prior to the merger, Alaska Airlines did not operate wide-body aircraft. The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines gave Alaska access to a fleet of widebody planes, including the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
- Seattle as a Global Gateway: Alaska is developing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) into a global hub, with plans to serve at least a dozen international destinations with wide-body aircraft by 2030. The Boeing 787 will play a key role in this expansion.
Featured image: Brandon Farris/Airways
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