Alaska Airlines Expands International Reach with New Tokyo and Seoul Flights

The carrier leverages its merger with Hawaiian Airlines to launch long-haul routes from Seattle and aims for $1 billion in profit growth by 2027.

Alaska Airlines will begin nonstop flights from Seattle to Tokyo in May 2025 and to Seoul in October 2025, using Hawaiian Airlines' Airbus A330 aircraft.
The expansion is part of Alaska's three-year strategic plan, 'Alaska Accelerate,' following its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024.
The airline expects to boost profits by $1 billion through 2027, with $500 million in savings from operational efficiencies and $800 million in additional revenue from international routes and other initiatives.
Seattle is positioned as Alaska's 'global gateway,' with plans to serve at least 12 international destinations by 2030 using wide-body aircraft.
Alaska also announced a $1 billion stock buyback, a new premium credit card, and upgrades to its seating and lounge offerings to enhance customer experience and drive revenue growth.