Alaska Airlines Embarks on First European Voyage and Revamps Aircraft Look

For the very first time, Alaska Airlines is venturing across the Atlantic and has introduced a revamped look for its Boeing 787 planes to celebrate this new journey.

On Tuesday, the airline unveiled this design, dubbing it their 'first global livery,' highlighting their intent to expand international journeys after acquiring Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion last September.

While Alaska Airlines primarily served destinations in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, its services to eastern Russia ceased in 1998.

The acquisition bolstered the fleet with four Boeing 787 Dreamliners featuring twin aisles and spacious cabins, with an additional 13 on the way. The airline previously operated single-aisle planes suited for shorter trips.

Expanding Horizons

Starting with a flight from Seattle to Seoul on September 12, the new Dreamliners will extend their reach to Tokyo by January 7, and later to Rome in the spring. Additionally, starting May, Reykjavik will become accessible from Seattle using the Boeing 737 Max, claiming the title for the longest route flown by such an aircraft from any US carrier.

These destinations span approximately 3,600 miles between Seattle and Reykjavik, requiring around 7 and a half hours of flight. This itinerary will be available daily during summer but will pause in winter when Iceland's tourism dwindles due to shorter daylight hours.

Reaching the European Market

By the arrival of spring, a daily, non-stop flight to London Heathrow using the Boeing 787 will commence. Clocking about 9 and a half hours from Seattle to London, this route caters to one of the world's top international markets and business hubs.

Notably different from the 737 Max, Alaska's 787 will boast fully lie-flat seats in its business class, equipped with privacy doors. This is deemed crucial for luring clients amid rising demand for premium services post-pandemic, even while overall travel demand has remained tepid.

A New Livery Inspired by Northern Lights

This fresh phase for Alaska Airlines is visually marked by a new livery, their first refresh since 2016. The 787s flaunt a tail-to-fuselage design featuring blues and cyans, drawing inspiration from the aurora borealis, with stripes reminiscent of the airline's 1970s and 80s motifs.

"Our new 787 design is a testament to our transition into a global airline, merging elegance with a nod to our roots," stated Andrew Harrison, Alaska's chief commercial officer.

While some were taken aback by the removal of the iconic smiling Inuit, 'Chester,' from the jet's tail—a staple since 1992—he will continue to grace the majority of the fleet since only the 17 Dreamliners will showcase the new design.