The combined airlines continue to bolster their widebody operations.
A Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787-9 (Photo: Shutterstock | Ian Dewar Photography)
Alaska Airlines is taking additional steps to support its growing long-haul network as it prepares for future international expansion. The airline is making moves to shift some widebody flying to Seattle following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
The carrier plans to open a new Boeing 787 pilot base in Seattle. The base, aimed at supporting expanded international service, is scheduled to open on March 2, 2026, according to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
The pilot union said the initial bid vacancy for the base will post on July 9, with 15 captain and 30 first officer positions available for the 787. Union leaders said the decision was driven by operational requirements associated with Alaska’s new long-haul routes — including service to Rome — and competitive factors in Seattle.
Alaska is also adding five more 787s to its order with Boeing, the union shared.
The move follows Delta’s recent announcement that it will open an A350 pilot base in Seattle. It will also begin linking the city with Rome and Barcelona next summer.
“I think overall, this is the first phase in what we’re seeing with the company executing on their promise of growth as a result of the merger,” said Larry Payne, chair of the Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC), during a joint ALPA podcast. “There’ll be growth on the Hawaiian side of the house as they staff some of these upcoming 787 deliveries out of Seattle.”
Hawaiian currently maintains its 787 base in Honolulu. The two pilot groups are in the process of negotiating a joint collective bargaining agreement.
In a statement, an airline spokesperson confirmed the new base, along with an additional Dreamliner simulator at its Washington training facility.
“We’re excited to announce the opening of a new Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 base in Seattle, launching in March 2026 to support our growing international network,” the spokesperson said. “This investment, including a second 787 simulator at our global training center in Renton, reflects our commitment to building Seattle into a global gateway. As we expand to destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, and Rome, we’re ensuring our people and infrastructure are ready to support this next chapter.”
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