Alaska Airlines Unveils First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in New Livery

Alaska Airlines has officially unveiled its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, designated as N784HA, showcasing the airline’s new Aurora livery. The aircraft was photographed leaving the paint shop at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport on January 6, 2025, and subsequently arrived in Seattle within four hours. This significant milestone marks a step forward in Alaska’s expansion of its long-haul operations.

Originally ordered by Hawaiian Airlines, the aircraft was intended to be the carrier’s fifth Boeing 787. However, following Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian in 2025, Alaska has assumed control of Hawaiian’s 787 orders. The airline plans to relocate the existing Hawaiian 787s to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, while Hawaiian will streamline its long-haul services to exclusively utilize the Airbus A330-200.

Details of the New Aircraft

The newly painted Boeing 787-9 features two General Electric GEnx engines and is configured with a total of 300 seats. It is noteworthy that the aircraft was ferried to Boeing Field instead of directly to Seattle-Tacoma, likely for a press event scheduled for the morning of January 7, 2025. The debut flight is set to commence on January 8, with the inaugural route from Seattle to Tokyo-Narita.

Alaska Airlines aims to enhance its long-haul network with the introduction of these Boeing 787s, which will maintain a similar onboard experience to that of Hawaiian’s current 787 fleet. The interior configuration consists of 34 business class suites and 266 economy seats, mirroring the existing offerings on Hawaiian’s Boeing 787s.

Future Plans and Market Strategy

Alaska Airlines is strategically positioning itself to compete more effectively against Delta Air Lines, particularly at its Seattle hub. By incorporating 21 Boeing 787s into its fleet, Alaska plans to strengthen its long-haul capabilities. Alongside the 12 new-build 787-9s, Alaska will also integrate four 787-9s currently in operation by Hawaiian Airlines and five Boeing 787-10s, making it the second U.S. airline to place such an order.

Tickets for routes from Seattle to Tokyo-Narita and Seoul are already available for purchase, with plans to expand to London-Heathrow and Rome in the future. To support the increasing operations, Alaska Airlines will establish a Boeing 787 pilot base in the spring, indicating a significant ramp-up in long-haul flights.

The introduction of the Boeing 787-9 fleet will not only enhance Alaska’s long-haul offerings but also align with the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet. Although the new aircraft will initially lack Wi-Fi connectivity, Alaska has plans to retrofit its entire fleet with Starlink internet service by late 2026, starting with its regional jets.

As Alaska Airlines embarks on this new chapter with the Boeing 787-9, the airline is poised to redefine its long-haul strategy, providing travelers with an elevated experience while competing more robustly in the international market.