San Francisco: Alaska Airlines has announced an ambitious strategic plan to introduce at least 12 nonstop international routes using long-haul widebody aircraft from Seattle by 2030, positioning the city as a “new global gateway.”
The airline plans to launch nonstop flights from Seattle to Tokyo in May and to Seoul in October, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci expressed enthusiasm about the company’s future, stating, “There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of Alaska Air Group.” He highlighted the recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines as a key factor in enhancing their competitive edge.
The Alaska Air Group, headquartered in SeaTac, comprises Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, McGee Air Services, and the newly acquired Hawaiian Airlines. The decision to start flights to Tokyo and Seoul is influenced by Hawaiian Airlines’ existing operations in these markets. While Alaska currently operates Boeing 737 MAX flights to Mexico and Central America, Hawaiian Airlines utilizes long-haul widebody jets for flights to Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Additionally, Alaska has revised its financial goals for 2027, targeting $1 billion in profits and earnings per share of at least $10. The airline anticipates earnings per share of $5.75 for the full year of 2025.
In its latest financial report for the third quarter of this year (July to September), Alaska Airlines reported $3 billion in revenue and a profit of $236 million, equating to $1.84 per share. The airline expects its commercial operations to drive most of its projected profit growth, estimating an additional $800 million in revenue over the next three years.