Hawaiian-alaska Upsizes 787-9 To 787-10 For Pacific-europe Expansion From Seattle And Honolulu

Published on September 6, 2025

Hawaiian-Alaska upsizes 787-9 to 787-10 for caller world routes from Seattle, Honolulu, and beyond reflects a caller strategy successful nan Pacific recreation market. Hawaiian Airlines, now portion of Alaska Air Group, has decided to switch 5 of its pending Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners pinch nan larger 787-10 model. This move is little astir scope and much astir capacity, arsenic nan hose gears up to service high-demand routes linking nan U.S. West Coast pinch Asia and Europe. The 787-10, while somewhat shorter successful range, tin comfortably transportation much than 300 passengers successful a three-class layout, including premium economy.

With much abstraction for travelers and amended economics per seat, nan accommodation fits neatly into Alaska’s broader plans to grow intercontinental work from Seattle. For Hawaii, it intends much visitors will person greater entree to nan islands while Honolulu continues to service arsenic a span for Pacific travel.

Fleet Shift Under Alaska Air Group

Hawaiian Airlines primitively ordered 10 Boeing 787-9 craft successful 2018, later expanding that to twelve. After joining Alaska Air Group, nan mixed bearer added further long-haul orders. With nan latest adjustment, 5 of those 787-9s will beryllium swapped for nan larger 787-10. Deliveries are scheduled complete nan adjacent 2 to 3 years, pinch nan first larger version expected to participate work successful precocious 2025 aliases early 2026.

This determination is simply a fleet optimization step. The hose will still support nan 787-9 for routes wherever its superior scope is essential, but nan 787-10 will grip flights wherever rider request outweighs nan request for other distance.

Why nan 787-10 Makes Sense

The 787-10’s creation emphasizes ratio connected medium- to long-haul routes of up to astir 6,300 nautical miles. While nan 787-9 tin recreation further, overmuch of that other scope is unnecessary for routes betwixt Seattle and destinations specified arsenic Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, aliases European capitals.

In position of rider experience, nan displacement is moreover clearer. A emblematic Hawaiian 787-9 carries astir 300 passengers successful 2 classes. Introducing premium system reduces nan full spot count, making nan craft little profitable per mile flown. With nan 787-10, a three-class statement of 300 to 320 seats is imaginable without compromising compartment comfort. That other abstraction allows for lie-flat business class, premium economy, and upgraded system seating while still delivering beardown economics for nan airline.

Travel and Tourism Benefits

The move has important implications for tourism. Hawaii relies heavy connected long-haul visitors from Japan, Korea, and different parts of Asia, while Europe has go a increasing market. Larger craft pinch premium seating thief pull some leisure and business travelers, boosting visitant numbers to nan islands.

For travelers, nan preamble of premium system offers much flexibility. Families, circuit groups, and older travelers who want added comfortableness but not nan costs of business people will now person a amended option. This could promote longer stays and higher spending, benefiting Hawaii’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Seattle is besides emerging arsenic a powerful hub. With nonstop flights to Asia and Europe, it not only supports section travelers but besides opens up caller one-stop connections for passengers heading to Hawaii. A tourer successful London aliases Rome, for example, will find it easier to book a mixed itinerary to Honolulu via Seattle, pinch smoother connections and accordant onboard service.

Looking Ahead

By 2030, Alaska Air Group plans to run astatine slightest a twelve intercontinental routes from Seattle utilizing its Dreamliner fleet. The operation of 787-9 and 787-10 craft will springiness nan hose elasticity to set capacity based connected demand. The larger jets are expected to return connected high-traffic destinations specified arsenic Tokyo, Seoul, and awesome European capitals, while nan 787-9s whitethorn beryllium utilized for longer aliases thinner routes wherever scope is critical.

For Hawaiian residents and visitors, this will mean much options and amended entree to some established and emerging recreation markets. The caller craft will besides debut successful a caller livery inspired by nan Northern Lights, reinforcing Alaska’s marque personality while giving travelers a modern and memorable experience.