Hawaiian Airlines is launching Airbus A330-200 flights between Seattle-Tacoma and Anchorage next summer. The airline will operate these flights twice daily, beginning June 12 and continuing through August 20. This new route marks Hawaiian’s first widebody service between Seattle and Anchorage in 26 years. Previously, United had operated widebody flights using a DC10 until 1999.

This move comes on the heels of several strategic changes at Hawaiian Airlines, especially following its acquisition by the Alaska Airlines Group. As a result, Hawaiian is now able to capitalize on shared resources, such as equipment and airport assets. Furthermore, this new route is part of a larger plan that includes expanded international flights to Tokyo and Seoul.

Notably, the 278-seat A330-200 will serve the 1,258 nautical miles between Seattle and Anchorage. Since the flights coincide with the summer peak season and salmon fishing, they will provide additional capacity, including for cargo. Additionally, Hawaiian’s flights will replace certain Alaska Airlines services, allowing that carrier to deploy smaller aircraft elsewhere. Hawaiian’s new schedule will now feature two daily departures from both cities, making it their shortest widebody connection.

For example, Hawaiian’s flights from Seattle will depart at 11:45 AM and 10:10 PM. Meanwhile, the return flights from Anchorage will leave at 2:55 AM and 4:10 PM. This late-night service is unique and will give passengers an unusual experience on a domestic widebody route.

Furthermore, the Seattle to Anchorage route remains one of the busiest in the US. Hawaiian’s new service will add to the already crowded market, where Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines together plan to offer 26 daily flights by next July. Although Alaska Airlines will reduce the number of daily services, Hawaiian’s larger aircraft will increase capacity for both passengers and cargo.

Overall, Hawaiian Airlines is strengthening its presence in the Pacific Northwest. As it continues to add flights and services, the airline is solidifying its position within the Alaska Airlines Group, providing passengers with more travel options.

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