It’s time for a new livery, with Alaska Airlines unveiling its paintwork for its long-haul operations.
As the airline expands to new markets in Asia and Europe from Seattle, they are introducing this livery on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The 787-9s with the new livery debut in January 2026. By spring, all Dreamliners in the airline’s fleet are scheduled to showcase the new design. The design draws inspiration from the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.
The airline is establishing a Boeing 787-9 hub in Seattle that will deploy as many as 17 787s across the airline’s global network. In addition to the existing 737 pilot base, they will open a new pilot base to support 787 operations beginning next spring.
Four Dreamliners are currently in the fleet. These will be deployed between Seattle and Seoul-Incheon on 12th September and on the existing Seattle-Tokyo Narita route from 7th January 2026. They’ll also be heading to Rome when they confirm the launch date
Meanwhile, it seems plans have changed for the airlines’ A330 fleet, with the Airbus A330-200 widebody aircraft being dedicated to international long-haul and Continental U.S. flying to and from Hawaiʻi, operated by Hawaiian Airlines from the hub in Honolulu. These aircraft are due to go through a retrofit in the next few years, including all-new interiors with updated lie-flat seats, a new premium economy cabin and upgraded main cabin seats.
New International Routes
Of course, international liveries need routes. Alaska Airlines announced two new routes today from Seattle – a summer service to Reykjavik, Iceland and year-round service to London, United Kingdom.
Seattle-London
The airline will offer daily, year-round service to the British capital – one of the most sought-after international destinations and business markets – on its widebody 787-9 aircraft, featuring 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats in Business Class. The Seattle-London route is popular with both corporate and leisure travellers. London is the largest intercontinental market from Seattle, with more than 400 passengers travelling between the two cities every day.
It will provide a gateway to Europe (with connections with its oneworld partners, including British Airways), as well as connections across the West Coast and Hawai’i.
The route offers an alternative to those seeking more flight times, greater premium seat capacity, and the ability to earn and redeem valuable miles on Alaska’s loyalty program. Alaska’s expansion into the London market, facilitated by strengthened collaborations with American Airlines and British Airways, presents significant opportunities.
Whilst it isn’t stated in the release which London airport they are aiming to serve, it will be a safe assumption that the airline will be seeking slots at Heathrow.
Seattle-Reykjavik
This route will fly daily during the summer season when the days are long and bright in Iceland. Alaska will fly the route with Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, designed for this type of long-range flying.
Seattle-Rome
This was announced as the airline’s first European route.
In Quotes
Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, talked about the livery:
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage. As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service we’ve long been known for.”
Wither, Faces?
For those of you who look forward to seeing the Alaska Native on Alaska narrowbody aircraft or the Pualani on all Hawaiian Airlines’ aircraft flying to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands, there is some good news, as the airline emphasises these are not going away.
They will remain unchanged as elements of Alaska Airlines’ legacies and history.
For now, it seems Alaska Airlines is ready to chart a new future, with long-haul traffic certainly in its desires.
But for now, we’ll have to play a waiting game on when it intends to launch its European long-haul network.
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