Alaska Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop flight to Europe on Tuesday, connecting Seattle and Rome in a move that marks the carrier’s transition into a major global airline.
The inaugural flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport represents the first direct link between the Pacific Northwest and the Italian capital, a route previously unserved by any carrier, according to Alaska officials.
The seasonal, daily service is scheduled to run through Oct. 23. Flights are timed to depart Seattle at 5:30 p.m. and arrive at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport at 1:15 p.m. the following day. Westbound return flights depart Rome at 3:25 p.m. and arrive back in Seattle at 5:45 p.m.
This schedule, airline officials said, is designed to allow travelers to maximize their time in Italy while offering Italian visitors a direct path to the Pacific Northwest.
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This route, as well as Alaska’s new expansion into the European market, is a milestone made possible by the company’s 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. That merger provided Alaska with the fleet of wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft necessary to complete long-haul transoceanic journeys, according to The Points Guy, who was among the first passengers to make the trip with Alaska.
“Alaska would not have been flying to the Eternal City this week were it not for its 2024 Hawaiian merger,” according to a report from The Points Guy. The flight marks the hard launch of a flagship international travel experience the airline has developed over the past year.
While the airline has long been a staple of domestic and North American travel, the introduction of the Rome service signals a new competitor has arrived in the international market.
Alaska says the route has the added benefit of creating a new corridor for travelers coming from Hawaii. Passengers can now travel from the islands to Europe with a single stop in Seattle, opening a new gateway for European tourists to visit Hawaii.
Ryan Calkins, president of the Port of Seattle Commission, said the new link allows “travelers on both sides of the connection to explore our shared passions for cuisine, culture, and natural beauty.”
Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer at Aeroporti di Roma, noted that the service strengthens the position of Rome Fiumicino as a leading gateway between Europe and North America. The route is expected to support economic development and enhance the competitiveness of the Italian economy, officials said.
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To coincide with the European expansion, Alaska debuted its new international business class Suites experience on the Dreamliner aircraft. The cabin features 34 suites designed with multi-course dining and amenities from West Coast brands like Salt & Stone and Filson. The airline plans to extend this service to London in May and Tokyo this fall, officials said.
The carrier is also introducing new loyalty benefits through its Atmos Rewards program. Atmos Titanium members and one companion are now eligible for space-available, day-of-departure upgrades into international business class suites on flights to Europe, Asia and Oceania. This makes Alaska the only U.S. airline to offer such a loyalty benefit for international routes.
Alaska Airlines unveiling other perks
Technological upgrades are also part of the international rollout. By this fall, the entire 787-9 fleet will be equipped with Starlink satellite internet, Alaska says. The service will offer complimentary Wi-Fi to all of its Atmos Rewards members, and the airline says Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines will become the first U.S. carriers to offer the high-speed connectivity across their entire wide-body fleets.
The airline group, which includes Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air, now serves more than 140 destinations across North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe. Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, said the service to Rome is a significant step in the company’s long-term growth strategy to connect guests to the world.
Beyond passenger travel, the airline is utilizing the route to expand its global cargo business. Starting Tuesday, Alaska became the first U.S. passenger airline to offer daily nonstop cargo service between the two cities. This service connects the Pacific Northwest to a cargo network that now spans 109 destinations worldwide.
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