Ever since Alaska Airlines scooped up Hawaiian’s widebody fleet, the big question floating around the water cooler has been: Are they finally going to Europe? And if so, where to first? The guesses flew—London? Madrid? Maybe Paris? But Rome?.
After months of speculation, Alaska just made it official, and now we’ve got our answer. The Seattle-based airline plans to launch its very first nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) in summer 2026. And if you’re wondering how Alaska suddenly has the muscle for long-haul international flights—credit goes to their $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.
A Rome Route with Hawaiian Roots
This new route is more than just a shiny announcement—it marks Alaska’s debut in the European market. Up until now, they’ve mostly hugged the Pacific. But thanks to the Hawaiian Airlines acquisition, Alaska now has access to a fleet of widebody aircraft, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. That’s what they’ll be flying to Rome.
It’s a strategic shift, and it tells us a lot about where the combined airline might be heading next.
“Serving Rome nonstop from Seattle is a dream come true. As an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy, this is a particularly meaningful addition to our network. Rome has been at the top of the list ever since we announced our new global gateway out of Seattle. Our guests have been asking for an easy way to get to Italy for years, and we’re thrilled to provide it to people in the Northwest and beyond. Andiamo – let’s go!”– Ben Minicucci Alaska Airlines CEO
Why You Should Care
Here’s why this matters beyond the Seattle-Rome flight:
Fleet Expansion: Alaska’s newly acquired Dreamliners—outfitted with lie-flat business suites and solid premium offerings—open the door to serious international expansion. What the premium cabin upgrades are remain to be seen.
Untapped Demand: There’s currently no nonstop service between Seattle and Rome. Alaska’s aiming to fill that gap and tap into a strong leisure travel market.
The Aircraft: Hawaiian’s Dreamliners Take Flight
Alaska will deploy Hawaiian’s Boeing 787-9s on the Rome route. These jets come with:
- 34 business class mini-suites with sliding privacy doors
- Updated economy cabins that focus on comfort for long-haul travelers
It’s the first time Alaska passengers will get this level of premium experience on international flights—something Hawaiian flyers are already familiar with.
Bigger Picture: Is More to Come?
Alaska Airlines has already hinted at plans to launch up to 12 new long-haul routes by 2030. Now that they’ve got the planes—and Oneworld alliance connections—they’ve got the network to support more transatlantic flights. Could we eventually see Hawai‘i-Europe routes through Seattle or LAX? Too early to tell, but this move lays the groundwork.
Final Thoughts
Seattle’s always been a bit of a sweet spot for international routes—perfectly placed between Asia and Europe, with a growing global profile. So Alaska Airlines choosing Seattle for its first-ever transatlantic flight makes strategic sense, especially now that it’s got Hawaiian’s widebody jets in its arsenal. The Seattle-to-Rome leap is bold, no doubt…now a direct to Singapore or Bangkok….
Want to see how Hawaiian’s Dreamliners stack up? I covered that in my Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 First Class Review.
