Alaska Air Group is deepening its Pacific footprint with two new long-haul routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), set to launch in spring 2027. The carrier's subsidiary, Hawaiian Airlines, will operate nonstop services to Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Papeete's Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in French Polynesia, using its fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft.
The Seattle–Osaka service is scheduled to begin on 14 May 2027, with four weekly frequencies, while the Seattle–Papeete route will follow on 11 June 2027, operating three times per week. These additions bring the total number of intercontinental routes from Seattle to nine, underscoring the group's ambition to position the Pacific Northwest as a true global gateway.
Premium cabin and connectivity
Hawaiian's A330s feature lie-flat business class suites, a product that has been well received on its existing transpacific and Asia-Pacific routes. Passengers will also have access to complimentary Starlink WiFi, a benefit extended to members of the airline's Atmos Rewards loyalty programme. The new routes will be the only nonstop services linking Seattle with Osaka and Papeete, offering travellers seamless connections across the combined Alaska and Hawaiian network.
To mark the launch, the group is offering introductory roundtrip fares starting at $999 to Papeete and $1,199 to Osaka. These promotional rates are available until 26 October, providing an early incentive for travellers planning spring 2027 trips.
Ben Minicucci, President and CEO of Alaska Air Group, said: “We are building an airline that connects the Pacific Northwest to more of the world.” The expansion is part of the company's broader Alaska Accelerate strategy, which aims to grow Seattle into a hub with at least 15 long-haul destinations by 2030.
The new routes are expected to stimulate both leisure and business travel between the Pacific Northwest and key markets in Japan and French Polynesia. For travel professionals, the added capacity and premium product could open up new opportunities for corporate contracts, group bookings, and high-end leisure packages.
Industry observers note that the timing aligns with a broader trend of carriers expanding transpacific networks. For instance, Qatar Airways' upcoming Doha–Western Sydney service reflects similar confidence in long-haul demand. Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic's seasonal Heathrow–Phuket flights highlight the appeal of leisure-oriented long-haul routes.
Alaska and Hawaiian are also leveraging their combined route map to feed traffic from across North America into Seattle, making the new flights viable beyond the local catchment. The group's focus on premium service and connectivity is designed to appeal to both business and leisure travellers, with the A330's cabin configuration offering a competitive edge in the Pacific market.
For agents and tour operators, the new routes provide fresh inventory to popular destinations. Papeete, in particular, is a gateway to French Polynesia's islands, and the nonstop service eliminates the need for connections via Honolulu or Los Angeles. Osaka, meanwhile, offers access to Japan's Kansai region, including Kyoto and Nara, which remain strong draws for international visitors.
The announcement comes as part of a wider push by Alaska Air Group to integrate Hawaiian's operations and expand its international reach. With the addition of these routes, the group is positioning itself as a major player in the Pacific, competing with established carriers on key city pairs.
Travel industry stakeholders will be watching load factors and yield performance closely, as the success of these routes could influence future network decisions. The group's commitment to premium service and connectivity is a clear signal of its long-term strategy in the region.
