Alaska Airlines has officially introduced its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, painted in the new Aurora livery. The aircraft, designated N784HA, was photographed leaving the paint shop at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport on January 6, 2025. It landed in Seattle later that day, marking a significant milestone for the airline as it expands its fleet.
Originally ordered by Hawaiian Airlines, N784HA was intended to be the carrier’s fifth Boeing 787 before its acquisition by Alaska Airlines in 2025. As part of the transition, Alaska has taken over Hawaiian’s orders for the 787s and will relocate the existing aircraft operated by Hawaiian to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Hawaiian’s long-haul services will now exclusively utilize the Airbus A330-200.
Details on the New Aircraft
The newly acquired Boeing 787-9 is equipped with two General Electric GEnx engines and configured to accommodate 300 passengers. This aircraft will be ferried to Boeing Field in Seattle, rather than Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, for a press event scheduled for January 7. It is set to enter service on January 8, operating the route from Seattle to Tokyo-Narita, which had previously been serviced by Hawaiian’s 787-9 aircraft.
Alaska Airlines plans to leverage the 787-9s to enhance its long-haul network. The aircraft will feature interiors similar to those of Hawaiian Airlines’ 787s, comprising 34 business class suites and 266 economy seats. While the onboard experience will remain largely unchanged, Alaska Airlines is contemplating the introduction of a premium economy cabin in the future.
Future Expansion Plans
In total, Alaska Airlines has ordered 12 new Boeing 787-9s, with plans to acquire an additional four currently operated by Hawaiian Airlines, alongside five Boeing 787-10s. This brings the airline’s total to 21 Boeing 787s, all of which will be based in Seattle. The airline aims to establish a stronger long-haul presence to compete more effectively with Delta Air Lines, which has a well-established network in Seattle.
Alaska Airlines is already selling tickets for routes from Seattle to Tokyo-Narita and Seoul, with future plans to include services to London-Heathrow and Rome. To support this expansion, a new Boeing 787 pilot base will open in spring 2025, further solidifying the airline’s commitment to enhancing its international operations.
As Alaska Airlines gears up for this significant fleet enhancement, it continues to innovate its services, ensuring that passengers experience quality travel options. The introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi on the Boeing 787s is expected by late 2026, adding to the overall passenger experience. With these strategic moves, Alaska Airlines aims to position itself as a formidable player in the long-haul aviation market.
