Alaska Airlines has just unveiled a new livery as the carrier continues to expand globally. While it appears that this scheme will only appear on the carrier’s long-haul aircraft, it will be interesting to see how elements of this brand trickle down throughout the company.
Alaska Airlines Unveils New Livery on Long-Haul Aircraft
Historically Alaska Airlines has operated a fleet of all Boeing 737 aircraft supported by a regional fleet of Embraer E175s operated by SkyWest and Horizon. After the airline acquired Hawaiian Airlines, it inherited long-haul aircraft in the form of the Airbus A330 and Boeing 787.
Alaska Airlines has been using these planes to expand its international route map out of its hub at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA). I’ve always thought that operating flights with Hawaiian Airlines branding between places like Seattle and Rome was odd and now there seems to be an update.
Alaska Airlines is introducing a new livery on its Boeing 787 fleet. According to the carrier this is an evolution of the current Alaska brand that “reflects a bold vision for international growth and our commitment to connecting the Pacific Northwest to destinations around the world.”
One thing that jumps out in this new livery is the carrier’s signature Native on the tail is missing. Instead, it has been replaced with a design that is inspired by the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines, had this to say about the new livery:
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage. As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service we’ve long been known for.”
The first aircraft in the new livery is expected to debut in January 2026. All 787 Dreamliners are expected to be repainted in the new scheme by Spring 2026. All Alaska Airlines narrowbody aircraft will retain the Native on the tail and the Hawaiian Airlines livery will also remain unchanged.
Alaska Airlines Will Base All 787s in Seattle
Hidden amongst the new livery announcement is some information regarding the carrier’s current fleet plans, and Hawaiian Airlines customers won’t like it. Alaska Airlines will shift all of its Boeing 787-9s to Seattle, opening a new pilot base there. The airline currently has four 787s in the fleet with plans to expand up to 17.
The Boeing 787s are much nicer than the Airbus A330s that are currently in the Hawaiian Airlines fleet. With the shift of 787 operations to the Pacific Northwest, all Airbus A330s will remain with Hawaiian Airlines to support international long-haul and Continental U.S. flying from the carrier’s hub in Honolulu (HNL).
Alaska Airlines has committed to upgrading the travel experience on its A330 fleet. All-new interiors, updated lie-flat seats, a new Premium Economy cabin, and new main cabin seats are expected to be installed on the fleet over the next few years.
Summary
Alaska Airlines has revealed a new livery that will adorn all of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The new livery pays homage to the Northern Lights and comes as the carrier is shifting all Boeing 787 operations to its Seattle hub. The A330s will be upgraded and retain the Hawaiian Airlines branding for flights to and from Honolulu.
(Images courtesy Alaska Airlines)
