Italy, Japan, and South Korea are directly linked to the United States as Alaska Airlines marks an important milestone with the delivery of its three hundredth Boeing 737 while opening bold new routes from Seattle to Rome, Tokyo, and Seoul in an aggressive expansion of its global reach and long-haul capabilities.

Alaska Airlines has achieved a significant milestone with the addition of its three hundredth Boeing 737 to its fleet, further cementing the aircraft’s vital role as the core of the airline’s operations. Since the mid-1960s, Boeing aircraft have been at the heart of Alaska Airlines’ growth, with the Seattle-based airline continuing to expand and evolve its fleet as part of its strategic development.

The arrival of Alaska Airlines’ three hundredth Boeing 737 underscores its long-standing collaboration with Boeing, a relationship that began in 1966 with the introduction of its first Boeing 727. Before that, the carrier operated various aircraft types, including Stinsons and Convair 880s. The arrival of the 727 marked the beginning of Alaska’s transition into an all-Boeing fleet. Over the decades, the airline has steadily expanded its Boeing portfolio, becoming one of the model’s most loyal operators. In 2001, Alaska Airlines solidified its dedication to Boeing’s narrowbody lineup by becoming one of the initial customers for the Boeing 737-900. Although the first 737-900 was officially retired this year, the airline’s fleet of 737s remains central to its operations.

Currently, Alaska Airlines operates six different versions of the Boeing 737 family. These include the 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900ER, 737 MAX 8, and 737 MAX 9. According to fleet data, only a few 737-900s remain in active service, while newer variants continue to form the majority of the fleet. Alongside its mainline operations, Alaska Air Group’s regional subsidiary, Horizon Air, operates a fleet of Embraer E175 aircraft, allowing the carrier to maintain a flexible network across both long-haul and regional routes.

In addition to the expansion of its narrowbody fleet, Alaska Airlines is preparing to welcome its fourth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a widebody aircraft that will play a crucial role in the airline’s international growth plans. According to order data, Alaska Airlines has a total of nine Boeing 787-9s scheduled for delivery. The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024 played a pivotal role in introducing widebody aircraft into Alaska’s operations. Before this merger, Alaska Airlines had never operated widebody jets. Now, with the combined fleets of both carriers, Seattle is being positioned as a central hub for expanded international long-haul services.

With the addition of the Boeing 787-9, Alaska Airlines is entering a new phase of growth that will allow it to serve long-haul international destinations previously out of reach. The airline has already begun to leverage its expanded fleet, launching new international services. In recent months, Alaska Airlines inaugurated a route connecting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), marking the start of its widebody international operations. This transpacific expansion will continue with the introduction of a new route between Seattle and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is set to begin on September 12, 2025.

Looking ahead, Alaska Airlines plans to continue its international expansion by entering the European market. The airline recently announced its first-ever transatlantic route connecting Seattle to Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) in Italy, scheduled to launch in May 2026. While full details have not yet been confirmed, the new route is expected to operate seasonally with four weekly flights using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft are configured to accommodate 300 passengers across a three-class cabin layout. The cabins include 34 seats in business class, 79 in premium economy, and 187 in standard economy. If the schedule remains unchanged, this new service will become Seattle’s second-longest nonstop route to Europe.

Statistics from the prior year revealed that Rome ranked as the highest-demand unserved European destination from Seattle, attracting nearly forty-three thousand round-trip local travelers. Other highly sought-after unserved destinations included Barcelona and Athens, which ranked second and third respectively. The addition of the Rome route will not only address significant passenger demand but also establish a strong foothold for Alaska Airlines in the competitive transatlantic market.

The decision to introduce long-haul international routes aligns with Alaska Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen Seattle’s role as a global hub and to offer passengers more nonstop options to major international destinations. By combining Hawaiian Airlines’ established expertise in long-haul operations with Alaska’s extensive domestic network, the merged carrier is well-positioned to compete on a larger global scale.

Alaska Airlines’ expansion into international long-haul markets represents a major shift for a carrier that has traditionally focused on domestic and regional routes. With the growing presence of the Boeing 787-9 in its fleet, the airline is now equipped to compete in new markets and connect Seattle to major cities across Asia and Europe. This growth also reflects the evolving landscape of air travel, where strategic mergers and fleet diversification allow carriers to adapt and thrive.

The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines has played a significant role in accelerating Alaska’s international ambitions. The integration of Hawaiian’s long-haul capabilities complements Alaska’s existing strengths in domestic and West Coast markets, creating new opportunities for both airlines under a unified brand.

Italy, Japan, and South Korea gain new nonstop Seattle routes as Alaska Airlines celebrates the delivery of its three hundredth Boeing 737, driving bold international expansion and global connectivity.

In summary, the arrival of Alaska Airlines’ 300th Boeing 737 and the forthcoming delivery of its fourth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner mark the beginning of an ambitious expansion phase for the airline. With its fleet evolving and international routes being added, Alaska Airlines is transforming from a primarily domestic carrier into a significant international player. The combination of its strong Boeing partnership, the Hawaiian Airlines acquisition, and its long-haul expansion plans positions the airline to serve a broader global network while continuing to build on its legacy as a leader in U.S. aviation.

The post Italy, Japan And South Korea Gain New Direct Routes As Alaska Airlines Expands Global Reach With Three Hundredth Boeing 737 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.