Alaska Airlines Unveils 787-9 Livery, Announces London And Iceland Routes For 2026
With the announcement of two new international routes to start in Spring 2026, Seattle to London Heathrow and Seattle to Reykjavík, Alaska Airlines is taking a huge step forward into transatlantic flying. This will be the airline’s 4th and 5th long-haul intercontinental destinations, increasing their global destination footprint and revealing a hint of their plans to grow into an international giant.
This announcement follows an earlier announcement of flights from Seattle to Tokyo (now operating), and Seoul (September) and Rome (Spring 2026). With its growing Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, Alaska is building a robust international network anchored at its Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hub.
Seattle to London & Reykjavík: Alaska Goes Global
The Seattle–London Heathrow route will be a daily, year-round service operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This launch places Alaska in direct competition with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, and its oneworld alliance partner British Airways. However, the strategic partnership with oneworld—joined by Alaska in 2021—will provide strong connectivity and schedule coordination with British Airways, allowing both airlines to leverage their networks for seamless international travel.
London remains Seattle’s top international destination, with over 400 daily passengers, making this route a strategic centerpiece in Alaska’s intercontinental ambitions.
Alaska’s second new transatlantic route—Seattle to Reykjavík—will be a seasonal summer service operated with the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The narrowbody aircraft features a 159-seat configuration, including 12 recliner-style first-class seats and 30 premium economy seats. This new service will compete with Icelandair, which currently operates up to three daily flights between the two cities using Airbus A321s.
Bold Visual Identity: New Livery for a New Era
As Alaska Airlines expands internationally, it is also unveiling a new livery for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The new scheme incorporates the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) associated with the carrier’s Alaskan heritage, in dark midnight blues and brilliant emerald greens, flowing in wave-like fashion along the fuselage.
The redesign preserves the classic Alaska Airlines wordmark while incorporating a modern design to represent the carrier’s transition to a global airline.
Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines, commented:
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace, and a nod to our heritage. As we expand to new global destinations, we want travelers to immediately recognize the Alaska brand and the service excellence it represents.”
The new livery is set to debut in January 2026, and all Dreamliners in the fleet are expected to feature the refreshed design by the time the London and Rome services launch in spring.
Fleet Strategy and Hub Development
Alaska Airlines currently operates four Boeing 787-9s, acquired through its merger with Hawaiian Airlines. The fleet will expand to 17 as existing orders are delivered. The airline plans to operate at least 12 long-haul international routes by 2030, necessitating strategic changes in fleet deployment and crew base alignment.
Seattle will serve as the central hub for all 787 operations. The carrier is establishing a dedicated 787 pilot base at SEA, where it will house both existing and incoming Dreamliners. Alaska’s first long-haul 787 service, Seattle to Seoul-Incheon, will begin on September 12, 2025, followed by the Seattle–Tokyo Narita route, which will switch from the Airbus A330 to the Dreamliner from January 7, 2026.
Meanwhile, Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet of 24 Airbus A330-200s will continue to focus on international and U.S. mainland routes from its Honolulu hub. These aircraft are slated for a major cabin upgrade, with new lie-flat business class seats and the introduction of a premium economy cabin over the coming years.
Looking Ahead
Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, emphasized the airline’s commitment to long-term global expansion:
“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. This is about redefining the international experience, pushing forward with our signature focus on safety, care, and performance.”
As Alaska Airlines charts a new course into Europe and beyond, it is doing so with renewed identity, upgraded aircraft, and a clearly defined strategic vision. For aviation watchers and global travelers alike, Alaska’s next chapter promises to be one to watch.
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