Alaska Airlines Challenges Delta's Dominance with Growing Intercontinental Network

Alaska Airlines is expanding its intercontinental network from Seattle to challenge Delta Air Lines' dominance in the region. The airline has acquired Hawaiian Airlines and is building a widebody fleet to supplement its existing narrowbody operations.

In a recent Investor Day presentation, Delta explicitly stated that it wanted to develop Seattle into a premier West Coast gateway to Asia, while also describing Alaska Airlines as a partner rather than an adversary at the time. However, Alaska's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and efforts to build a widebody fleet have changed the dynamics of their relationship.

Alaska currently has seven Boeing 787-9s in its fleet, with five more expected to be delivered through 2027. The airline will also take delivery of five 787-10s starting in 2028. These new aircraft will enable Alaska to launch nonstop flights from Seattle to Athens and Paris in May 2027, which will operate three times a week and five times a week respectively.

Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, stated that the airline is committed to building its network further, with plans to offer more than 12 international long-haul routes from Seattle by the end of 2027.