Alaska Airlines announced this week that it will offer new nonstop routes from Seattle to London (Heathrow), Rome, and Reykjavik (Iceland). The new routes will begin in spring 2026. Another new feature coming in 2026 is the debut of a new exterior design for Alaska Airlines aircraft.
Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines’ chief commercial officer, commented that the new global design “is inspired by the Northern Lights and our heritage as we connect with the world and embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our essence – the Northern Lights are an iconic Alaskan experience.” The 787-9s with the new livery will debut in January 2026, and all Dreamliners in the fleet are scheduled to have the new design by spring.
The company clarified that the iconic Alaska Native image on its narrowbody fleet and the Pualani logo on Hawaiian Airlines aircraft will remain unchanged.
To support this expansion, Alaska Airlines will establish a B787-9 hub in Seattle, which will accommodate up to 17 Dreamliners and a new pilot base for this model starting next spring, as Alaska Airlines plans to have at least 12 intercontinental destinations flying nonstop from Seattle by 2030.
According to the company, these aircraft will feature a premium configuration that includes 34 enclosed suites with fully reclining seats in Business Class. In the case of the direct London connection, it strengthens the OneWorld alliance in the corridor, with Alaska joining its partner British Airways and competing directly with Delta and Virgin Atlantic.
