Seattle-Rome Route to Launch May 2026, Marking First European Destination
Alaska Airlines is making aviation history by announcing its first-ever nonstop service to Europe, with Rome, Italy, joining its international destination lineup. The groundbreaking announcement represents the first time in history that Seattle will be connected to Italy via a nonstop flight, positioning Alaska Airlines as a major player in transatlantic travel.
Been on hold with @AlaskaAir for 1.5 hours and have not heard a human voice the whole time. Is customer service IT down too?
— lugnut egghead (@textureking23) July 21, 2025
Boeing 787 Fleet Expansion for Long-Haul Operations
The Rome service will be operated using Alaska Airlines’ expanding Boeing 787 fleet, with flights beginning as 4x weekly service between Seattle (SEA) and Rome (FCO) as of May 2026. Alaska plans to utilize the 787s to support long-haul flying, including newly announced service from its Seattle hub to Rome.
The airline has been strategically building its widebody capabilities through its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which brought Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft into the Alaska Air Group fleet. This merger has enabled Alaska to pursue ambitious international expansion plans that were previously beyond its operational scope.
Alaska Airlines is experiencing an IT outage affecting operations. A temporary ground stop is in place. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you're scheduled to fly tonight, please check your flight status before heading to the airport.
— Alaska Airlines News (@AlaskaAirNews) July 21, 2025
Global Gateway Strategy from Seattle Hub
Alaska Airlines plans to expand service to a dozen global destinations over the next several years, starting with this European capital. The Rome announcement is part of Alaska’s broader strategy to establish Seattle as a major international gateway, competing with other West Coast hubs for long-haul traffic.
The airline has already begun implementing this strategy with daily nonstop service between Seattle and Tokyo Narita, operated by Hawaiian Airlines’ long-haul aircraft, marking the beginning of Alaska’s widebody international operations from its hometown hub.
Financial Performance and Upcoming Results
Alaska Air Group is preparing to release its second-quarter 2025 financial results, with the company filing its second-quarter results and outlook after market close on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The results are expected to provide insights into how the airline’s expansion plans and Hawaiian Airlines integration are impacting financial performance.
Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services, creating a comprehensive network spanning domestic and international markets.
Fleet Modernization and Route Development
The airline continues to modernize its fleet with new Boeing aircraft orders. Alaska’s JFK route will be operated daily with a new 737-8, part of the carrier’s order for 52 MAX aircraft (a mix of -8s, -9s and -10s), demonstrating the airline’s commitment to both domestic and international growth.
The airline is also preparing to open a new 787 pilot base in Seattle, which will initially accommodate 15 captains and 30 first officers, with training classes beginning to support the expanded international operations.
Enhanced Loyalty Program and Customer Experience
Alaska Airlines has been investing in customer experience improvements alongside its route expansion. Alaska Airlines has enhanced its Mileage Plan loyalty program with personalized rewards, including bonus miles, upgrades, and lounge access, offering members more choices at every stage of their journey.
The loyalty program enhancements are designed to compete with major carriers as Alaska expands into new markets and seeks to attract premium travelers on its long-haul international routes.
Leadership Changes and Organizational Growth
To support its expansion, Alaska Airlines has made key leadership appointments. Joe Wonderly has been elected vice president of labor relations, while Allen Thieman has been promoted to vice president of inflight, with the Alaska Airlines board of directors placing two leaders in vice president roles to oversee critical employee groups.
These organizational changes reflect the airline’s preparation for managing a larger, more complex operation as it integrates Hawaiian Airlines and expands internationally.
Looking Toward Global Expansion
The Rome announcement signals Alaska Airlines’ transformation from a regional carrier to a global airline. With the Hawaiian Airlines merger providing widebody aircraft and Pacific expertise, Alaska is positioned to compete on both Atlantic and Pacific routes from its Seattle hub.
The success of the Rome route will likely determine the pace of Alaska’s further European expansion, as the airline has indicated plans for additional international destinations over the coming years.
Conclusion
Alaska Airlines’ announcement of Seattle-Rome service represents a pivotal moment in the carrier’s evolution. By leveraging its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition and investing in Boeing 787 aircraft, Alaska is positioning itself as a major competitor in the international travel market. The historic Rome route launching in May 2026 will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Alaska Airlines as it transforms from a West Coast regional carrier into a global aviation player.
Stay updated with Alaska Airlines’ international expansion plans and route announcements as the carrier continues building its global network from Seattle.