
Alaska Airlines has quietly exercised its purchase rights for five additional Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliners—bringing its total order to 17—to support a major expansion of long‑haul service from its Seattle hub. This strategic fleet upgrade follows its merger with Hawaiian Airlines and includes plans to establish a dedicated 787 pilot base in Seattle by March 2026. The move is designed to underpin Alaska’s rollout of at least a dozen international routes by 2030, including destinations like Seoul and Rome, signaling a bold push to position Seattle–Tacoma as a global gateway.