Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of its first European route, a nonstop service from Seattle to Rome planned to commence in May 2026. The flights will operate four times a week utilizing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a model that had initially been intended to enhance premium travel offerings from Hawaii.
This marks a pivotal moment for the Dreamliner, as it will no longer focus on servicing Hawaii, but instead will serve as Alaska’s inaugural connection to Europe.
The Seattle-Rome flights are scheduled to depart Seattle at 6:00 PM, landing in Rome at 1:45 PM the next day. The return leg will leave Rome at 3:45 PM and arrive back in Seattle at 6:00 PM.
Customers can expect tickets to go on sale this fall, furthering Alaska’s global ambitions and expanding its reach beyond North America.
The move solidifies Alaska Airlines’ strategic decision to take control of the Dreamliner fleet that was once aligned with Hawaiian Airlines’ long-term ambitions. Initially, Hawaiian Airlines had ordered its first Dreamliners in 2018, envisioning them as a game changer for their long-haul capabilities, including routes to New York, Japan, and perhaps Europe and Australia.
Hawaiian designed the aircraft’s interiors to reflect island hospitality, aiming to deliver an elevated flying experience. However, delays in production meant the Dreamliner did not enter service for Hawaiian until early 2024, by which time the airline’s circumstances had drastically changed.
Overwhelming financial setbacks and rising competition had already reshaped Hawaiian’s trajectory, making the dream of utilizing Dreamliners for Hawaiian routes appear increasingly unrealistic.
As a result, it seems Alaska Airlines has no plans to route these Dreamliners through Honolulu. With an impending consolidation of operating certificates, Alaska is set to formally incorporate Hawaiian’s widebody fleet into its own operations.
The decision to focus on Seattle rather than Honolulu can be viewed in light of greater operational efficiency. Alaska Airlines is likely to benefit from a higher volume of connecting traffic and corporate demand from corporate entities.
While this shift makes business sense, travelers hoping for a reliable Dreamliner experience for long-distance flights to the islands are left disappointed. Compounding this disappointment, it has already been noted that Hawaiian Airways had initially attempted to utilize the Dreamliner for various mainland routes, only to withdraw it shortly thereafter.
Travelers have expressed mixed emotions regarding this transition. Patricia noted her frustration: “We waited years for the Dreamliner to come to Hawaii. Now it’s going to Europe? What a joke.”
Conversely, Kevin acknowledged the financial realities, stating, “Seattle to Rome makes sense. These planes weren’t making money flying from Honolulu.” These sentiments capture the complex emotions surrounding the Dreamliner’s redeployment.
The aircraft was designed to elevate the standard of flying from Hawaii and take on international competitors effectively, leaving many who were passionate about the Hawaiian experience feeling a sense of loss.
The Rome service is likely to be just the beginning of Alaska Airlines’ long-haul ambitions. With a significant number of Dreamliners on order, industry analysts expect to see additional new routes to Europe and Asia originating from West Coast hubs.
There is no guarantee, however, that Hawaii will benefit from this strategic shift or see any return of widebody service in the future. The operational changes taking place have increasingly distanced the Dreamliners from Hawaiian routes.
In essence, Hawaiian Airlines’ previous widebody aspirations seem compromised as Alaska Airlines embarks on a new chapter, where Seattle becomes the central hub for future growth.
As the merger advances toward obtaining a single operating certificate, many fundamental aspects of Hawaiian’s operations are undergoing transformation. Everything from the assignment of widebody routes to loyalty programs will become significantly influenced by Seattle’s strategic positioning, rather than Honolulu.
Observers and travelers in Hawaii should keep an eye on these developments, as they could have lasting effects on job markets, investments, and long-term planning for the island’s aviation landscape.
While the Dreamliner was once heralded as a premium addition to Hawaiian Airlines’ offerings, the future appears uncertain, leaving many wondering if its role in Hawaii’s aviation might be officially over.
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