Alaska Airlines launches Tokyo flights to Narita, daily nonstop flights from Seattle, operated by Hawaiian Airlines’ widebody aircraft. This launch signifies Alaska’s entry into long-haul international service from Seattle, aiming to establish their Seattle hub as a global gateway. The flight offers three classes: Business Class, Extra Comfort, and Main Cabin, with amenities including elevated meals and high-speed Wi-Fi.
New Tokyo Flight
The Seattle-Tokyo Narita route commences on May 12, 2025, utilizing Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330 aircraft. This service marks the first long-haul international flight for Alaska Airlines from Seattle, enhancing connectivity between the Pacific Northwest and Japan. This follows the failed strategy with American Airlines to launch flights from Seattle to other global destinations. Other Oneworld members still provide international connections out of Seattle, including Japan Airlines which will compete on the Seattle to Tokyo Narita segment.
What to Expect
Passengers can anticipate a premium onboard experience with three service classes: Business Class featuring full-flat seating, Extra Comfort, and Main Cabin. Business Class offers gourmet meals with Japanese and Hawaiian influences, complimentary beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The flight duration is approximately 10 hours, with a 7% shorter distance compared to other West Coast departures. From Alaska Airlines:
- Business Class offers pre-departure beverages and a choice from three elevated meal options with Japanese and Hawaiian influences and a vegetarian selection, along with two dessert options. There’s also a mid-flight snack and another hot meal before arrival.
- Main Cabin guests can choose from two complimentary hot entrees, with ice cream offered as a dessert option along with mid-flight snacks and a second hot meal pre-arrival.
- Our A330 aircraft offer the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky – for free – on all flights to and from Japan. Guests can easily connect to Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi and experience internet at speeds suitable for working, streaming video and gaming. Plus, every seat in Business and Extra Comfort is equipped with power outlets.
- Guests in all classes of service receive an amenity kit in partnership with the Hawai’i lifestyle brand Noho Home. In Business Class, guests will enjoy full bedding in their full-flat seats with a mattress pad, duvet, pillows and even slippers. With sustainability in mind, they also choose which amenity items they’d like.
- Staying entertained on board is not a problem. Guests can choose from nearly 200 new releases and classic movies, and more than 500 TV shows. The Hana Hou! TV and Hawaiian Skies categories within our entertainment system also include a curated selection of Hawaii-focused local shows and short films.
Future International Flights
Alaska Airlines plans to expand its international network, targeting at least 12 destinations by 2030. The next addition is a nonstop flight from Seattle to Seoul Incheon, scheduled to begin on September 12, 2025. These expansions are part of a broader strategy to enhance Alaska’s global presence and leverage its merger with Hawaiian Airlines for greater operational efficiency.
Conrado’s Thoughts
It’s nice to see Alaska Airlines take advantage of their merger with Hawaiian, and use the new aircraft more efficiently. Their growth into the Asian international sphere out of Seattle will soon expand to Europe. With their partnership with Japan Airlines, British Airways, and Starlux Airlines, I expect Alaska to launch new routes to complement these. I would surmise that Japan Airlines will move their Seattle Tokyo flight to Haneda, and offer both destinations out of Seattle. The future for Alaska Airlines, and Seattle, looks bright!
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