Alaska Airlines has landed in Europe.
The carrier operated its first nonstop revenue flight between Seattle and Rome on Tuesday. The connection is Alaska’s first to continental Europe, and the first-ever nonstop link between Seattle and Rome.
Flights will operate daily through Oct. 23. Alaska is using a Boeing 787-9 on the route.
“Launching our first flight to Europe is a significant step in executing our long-term growth strategy,” Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci said in a news release. “Service to Rome expands how we connect our guests to the world, strengthens Seattle’s role as a global gateway, and is made possible by our people who deliver safety, care, and performance with every flight.”
Officials also said the route will improve connectivity between Hawaii and Europe via Seattle.
Alaska will expand its European footprint later this spring with new connections to London and Reykjavík, Iceland.
