[INTERVIEW] Alaska Airlines eyes Asia expansion as Korea route gains traction

Alaska Airlines is expanding its Asia ambitions from Seattle as its Incheon-Seattle route gains traction in its first full year. The route posted load factors of 82 percent in June, 84 percent in July and 79 percent in August, exceeding expectations for a new service. The airline is using its Korean Air partnership, cargo operations and broader U.S. connections to attract more Korean travelers. It may also resume Korea-Hawaii flights if demand recovers.

The Incheon-Seattle route brings about 100 passengers to Incheon each day, with many connecting to destinations across Korea and Asia.

Cargo accounts for more than 15 percent of Alaska Airlines’ revenue from the Korean market, including semiconductors and other technology components.

Alaska Airlines has maintained an 18-year partnership with Korean Air and expanded their codeshare agreement to include eight or nine additional destinations.

Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Holdings in September 2024, while Hawaiian Airlines suspended its Incheon-Honolulu service in November 2025.

The airline plans to introduce its Premium Reserve cabin in 2028 and equip its widebody Boeing 787 flights with 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites.

Published Oct 15, 2026 7:00 am KST

Carrier reports strong 1st-year performance, unveils Aurora premium travel experience

Shane Tackett, president and chief financial officer of Alaska Airlines, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times in Tukwila, Wash., Sept. 29. Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines is looking to expand its presence in Asia as its Incheon-Seattle route gains traction, with Korea emerging as a key market in the U.S. carrier’s expanding international network.

The airline recorded load factors of 82 percent in June, 84 percent in July and 79 percent in August on the route, marking a strong start in its first full year of operations.

The figures exceeded expectations for a new route, which typically takes about three years to mature as the airline adjusts schedules and connections to meet passenger demand.

"Those are really good, strong load factors for the first year of a new route," Shane Tackett, president and chief financial officer of Alaska Airlines, said in an interview with The Korea Times on Sept. 29. He added that one month ranked among Alaska's best-performing international routes financially before fuel prices increased significantly.

The airline sees further opportunities to attract passengers from Korea, where its brand remains relatively unfamiliar. Tackett said Alaska Airlines aims to raise awareness of its services and encourage more Korean travelers to choose the carrier for trips to the United States.

"Korea is incredibly important to Alaska Airlines," he said.

Beyond direct travel between Incheon and Seattle, Korea serves as an important gateway to Alaska's broader Asian network. The airline brings about 100 passengers to Incheon each day, many of whom connect to destinations across Korea and elsewhere in Asia, Tackett said.

Cargo is another important part of the business, accounting for more than 15 percent of Alaska's revenue from the Korean market. Shipments include semiconductors and other technology components. The airline also carries goods in the opposite direction, including 200,000 kilograms of cherries from Korea to the U.S. over the summer, Tackett said.

Alaska Airlines employee open house at the Global Training Center in Tukwila, Wash., Sept. 30 / Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Korean Air partnership supports Asian growth

Alaska Airlines is seeking to strengthen its presence in Korea through partnerships and improved connectivity. It has maintained an 18-year partnership with Korean Air and recently expanded their codeshare agreement to include eight or nine more destinations, giving passengers more options for connecting between Korea and the U.S.

Alaska also sees opportunities to attract Korean travelers heading beyond Seattle. Its extensive network from Seattle offers connections across the U.S., while a wide range of flight schedules helps it compete on fares, particularly among younger and budget-conscious travelers.

Alaska’s expansion in Asia follows its September 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines. The deal brought Hawaiian into Alaska Air Group, expanding the group’s presence across the Pacific while allowing both airlines to retain their respective brands.

Hawaiian Airlines had operated the Incheon-Honolulu route before suspending the service in November 2025. Alaska hopes to resume flights between Korea and Hawaii if demand recovers, Tackett said.

“It was a hard market to discontinue the service,” he said, explaining that demand for travel from Asia to Hawaii had not returned to prepandemic levels, partly due to currency-related factors. Alaska would welcome a return to the market if demand becomes strong enough to sustain the route.

Looking ahead, Alaska expects Asia to play a growing role in its international expansion as more Boeing 787 Dreamliners join its fleet. While the airline has announced new European destinations, including Athens, Rome, Paris and London, it also sees opportunities to expand in Asia through Seattle and its regional partners.

Alaska is also adapting its onboard dining to international markets. Seattle chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, whose culinary program draws on Asian flavors, is helping develop menus for flights to Asia. The aim is to appeal to both American travelers heading to the region and Asian passengers flying to Seattle.

Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci, right, speaks during the group's Investor Day in Tukwila, Wash., Sept. 29. Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Aurora upgrades premium experience

Alaska also unveiled Aurora, its new flagship premium travel experience, on Sept. 29 as part of its broader effort to establish itself as a global airline.

Inspired by Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, Aurora will extend across the passenger journey, from airport check-in and lounges to onboard seating, dining and entertainment.

“We believe premium is about more than a seat. It’s about how guests feel from the moment they book their trip through their airport experience and flight,” Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci said.

The airline is also introducing Premium Reserve, a new premium economy cabin scheduled to debut in 2028 on its Boeing 787-9, 787-10 and select 737-10 MAX aircraft.

Alaska plans to equip all its widebody 787 Dreamliner flights with 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites. In 2028, it will also introduce the suites in first class on select transcontinental flights operated by 737 aircraft, marking the first time the airline has offered lie-flat seats on such routes.

The upgraded 787-9 will have premium seating accounting for about 46 percent of its total seats, up from 38 percent currently. At least 25 of the 737-10 MAX aircraft will feature 12 Aurora Suites each and carry the same northern lights-inspired livery as the 787 Dreamliners.

Aurora Suites passengers will receive dedicated check-in and concierge services at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, along with access to an exclusive Aurora Lounge. Onboard amenities will include fully lie-flat beds with privacy doors on 787 aircraft, 19-inch 4K entertainment screens and restaurant-quality meals available on demand. Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi will be available to Atmos Rewards members, sponsored by T-Mobile.

Dining will be another key part of the premium experience. Alaska has partnered with Williams and another Seattle chef, Renee Erickson, to develop menus reflecting the Pacific Northwest. Erickson will oversee menus on European routes, while Williams will develop culinary offerings for flights across Asia from Seattle.

The airline is also building a new lounge complex in Seattle’s expanded C Concourse. Scheduled to open in late 2027, the nearly 41,000-square-foot facility will include a 500-seat Alaska Lounge for eligible travelers and a 200-seat Aurora Lounge exclusively for Aurora Suites passengers on intercontinental flights.

Amenities will include an outdoor patio with a fireplace, private work pods, locally sourced food and beverages, and three premium bars serving craft cocktails and local wines and beers. The Aurora Lounge will also offer private shower suites, wellness spaces, chef-prepared meals, a la carte dining and tableside service.

While Aurora aims to elevate the experience for premium travelers, Alaska says its broader strategy is to offer value across the cabin, including to younger and budget-conscious passengers.

The airline is also developing its loyalty program to recognize different types of travelers, including frequent flyers who take shorter trips, rather than rewarding customers solely on how much they spend.

For Alaska, the challenge is to translate its expanding network, partnerships and upgraded services into greater brand recognition in markets such as Korea. By combining convenient connections across the U.S. with improved onboard service and a more differentiated premium offering, the airline aims to attract more Korean passengers as it continues its transformation into a global carrier.

Transforming into a global airline is “not only one of the most challenging but also one of the most fun and rewarding things,” Tackett said.

“We are incredibly grateful for the reception and support that we've got from Korea and all the other markets that we've entered," he added.

Alaska Airlines elevates Korea office head to lead Asia operations

[INTERVIEW] Incheon emerges as gateway to Southeast Asia for Alaska Airlines

阿拉斯加航空正从西雅图拓展其亚洲航线业务，仁川至西雅图航线在运营首个完整年度便取得了显著成效。该航线6月份客座率达到82%，7月份为84%，8月份为79%，均超出预期。阿拉斯加航空正利用与大韩航空的合作关系、货运业务以及更广泛的美国航线网络来吸引更多韩国旅客。如果市场需求回升，阿拉斯加航空也可能恢复韩国至夏威夷的航线。

仁川至西雅图航线每天为仁川带来约 100 名乘客，其中许多乘客会转机前往韩国和亚洲各地的目的地。

阿拉斯加航空公司在韩国市场的收入中，货运占比超过 15%，其中包括半导体和其他技术组件。

阿拉斯加航空公司与大韩航空保持了 18 年的合作关系，并将代码共享协议扩展到包括八九个新的目的地。

阿拉斯加航空公司于 2024 年 9 月收购了夏威夷控股公司，而夏威夷航空公司于 2025 年 11 月暂停了仁川至檀香山的航线服务。

该航空公司计划于 2028 年推出其尊享优选舱位，并在其波音 787 宽体客机上配备 34 个可平躺的 Aurora 套房。

发布于2026年10月15日 上午7:00（韩国标准时间）

航空公司公布第一年业绩强劲，并推出Aurora高端旅行体验

阿拉斯加航空公司总裁兼首席财务官谢恩·塔克特 (Shane Tackett) 于 9 月 29 日在华盛顿州图克维拉接受《韩国时报》采访。图片由阿拉斯加航空公司提供。

西雅图——随着仁川至西雅图航线的日益火爆，阿拉斯加航空公司正寻求扩大其在亚洲的业务，而韩国正成为这家美国航空公司不断扩展的国际网络中的关键市场。

该航空公司6月份的客座率为82%，7月份为84%，8月份为79%，在其运营的第一个完整年度取得了强劲的开局。

对于一条新航线而言，这些数据超出了预期。通常情况下，航空公司需要大约三年时间才能调整航班时刻表和转机安排以满足乘客需求，而新航线的成熟运营也需要时间。

“对于一条新航线来说，第一年的客座率确实非常出色，”阿拉斯加航空公司总裁兼首席财务官肖恩·塔克特在9月29日接受《韩国时报》采访时表示。他还补充说，在燃油价格大幅上涨之前，该航线一个月的财务表现位列阿拉斯加航空公司国际航线之首。

阿拉斯加航空公司认为，在吸引韩国乘客方面仍有很大的提升空间，因为其品牌在韩国的知名度仍然相对较低。塔克特表示，阿拉斯加航空公司的目标是提高其服务的知名度，并鼓励更多韩国旅客选择该公司前往美国。

他说：“韩国对阿拉斯加航空公司来说极其重要。”

除了仁川和西雅图之间的直飞航线外，韩国也是阿拉斯加航空通往其更广泛的亚洲航线网络的重要门户。塔克特表示，阿拉斯加航空每天运送约100名乘客抵达仁川，其中许多人会转机前往韩国各地以及亚洲其他地区。

货运是阿拉斯加航空的另一项重要业务，占其韩国市场收入的15%以上。货运货物包括半导体和其他技术组件。塔克特表示，该航空公司也承运反向货物，例如今年夏天从韩国向美国运送了20万公斤樱桃。

阿拉斯加航空公司员工开放日活动于9月30日在华盛顿州图克维拉的全球培训中心举行 / 图片由阿拉斯加航空公司提供

大韩航空的合作助力亚洲经济增长

阿拉斯加航空公司正寻求通过合作和改善航线网络来加强其在韩国的业务。该公司与大韩航空已保持了18年的合作关系，并于近期扩大了代码共享协议的覆盖范围，新增了八九个目的地，为乘客往返韩国和美国提供了更多选择。

阿拉斯加航空也看到了吸引前往西雅图以外地区的韩国旅客的机遇。其从西雅图出发的广泛航线网络可连接美国各地，而丰富的航班时刻表也使其在票价方面具有竞争力，尤其是在年轻且注重预算的旅客群体中。

阿拉斯加航空在亚洲的扩张源于其于2024年9月收购夏威夷航空母公司夏威夷控股公司。此次收购将夏威夷航空并入阿拉斯加航空集团，扩大了该集团在太平洋地区的业务版图，同时允许两家航空公司保留各自的品牌。

夏威夷航空公司曾运营仁川至檀香山航线，但在 2025 年 11 月暂停了该航线服务。塔克特表示，阿拉斯加航空公司希望在需求恢复的情况下恢复韩国和夏威夷之间的航班。

他表示：“停飞这条航线在当时的市场环境下非常艰难。”他解释说，由于汇率等因素的影响，从亚洲到夏威夷的旅行需求尚未恢复到疫情前的水平。如果市场需求足够强劲，能够维持这条航线的运营，阿拉斯加航空将乐于重返市场。

展望未来，随着更多波音787梦想客机加入机队，阿拉斯加航空预计亚洲将在其国际扩张中扮演日益重要的角色。虽然该公司已宣布开通包括雅典、罗马、巴黎和伦敦在内的新欧洲航线，但它也看到了通过西雅图及其区域合作伙伴拓展亚洲市场的机遇。

阿拉斯加航空也在调整其机上餐饮以适应国际市场。西雅图名厨布雷迪·石渡·威廉姆斯（Brady Ishiwata Williams）的烹饪理念融合了亚洲风味，他正在协助开发飞往亚洲的航班菜单。此举旨在同时吸引前往亚洲的美国旅客和飞往西雅图的亚洲旅客。

阿拉斯加航空集团首席执行官本·米尼库奇（右）于9月29日在华盛顿州图克维拉举行的集团投资者日活动上发表讲话。图片由阿拉斯加航空公司提供。

Aurora升级高级体验

9 月 29 日，阿拉斯加航空还推出了其全新的旗舰高端旅行体验 Aurora，这是该公司为成为一家全球性航空公司而做出的更广泛努力的一部分。

Aurora的设计灵感源自阿拉斯加和太平洋西北地区，它将贯穿乘客的整个旅程，从机场值机和休息室到机上座椅、餐饮和娱乐。

阿拉斯加航空集团首席执行官本·米尼库奇表示：“我们认为，高端服务不仅仅关乎一个座位，更关乎乘客从预订行程到机场体验再到飞行全程的感受。”

该航空公司还将推出 Premium Reserve，这是一个新的高端经济舱，计划于 2028 年在其波音 787-9、787-10 和部分 737-10 MAX 飞机上首次亮相。

阿拉斯加航空计划为其所有787梦想客机配备34套可平躺的Aurora套房。2028年，该公司还将在部分由737飞机执飞的跨大陆航班的头等舱中引入该套房，这将是该航空公司首次在此类航线上提供可平躺座椅。

升级后的787-9客机将拥有约占总座位数46%的高级座位，高于目前的38%。至少25架737-10 MAX客机将配备12间极光套房，并采用与787梦想客机相同的北极光主题涂装。

入住 Aurora Suites 的乘客将在西雅图-塔科马国际机场享受专属值机和礼宾服务，并可使用专属的 Aurora 贵宾休息室。机上设施包括：787 机型配备可完全平躺的座椅和隐私门，19 英寸 4K 高清娱乐屏幕，以及可按需点餐的餐厅级美食。Atmos Rewards 会员可免费使用由 T-Mobile 赞助的 Starlink Wi-Fi。

餐饮将是高端体验的另一重要组成部分。阿拉斯加航空已与威廉姆斯以及另一位西雅图名厨蕾妮·埃里克森合作，共同开发体现太平洋西北地区特色的菜单。埃里克森将负责欧洲航线的菜单，而威廉姆斯则将为从西雅图出发的亚洲航线开发餐饮服务。

该航空公司还在西雅图扩建后的C航站楼建造一个新的贵宾休息室综合体。这座占地近41000平方英尺的设施计划于2027年底开放，将包括一个拥有500个座位的阿拉斯加贵宾休息室（供符合条件的旅客使用）和一个拥有200个座位的极光贵宾休息室（专供洲际航班的极光套房乘客使用）。

配套设施包括带壁炉的户外露台、私人办公舱、本地食材烹制的美食饮品，以及三间供应精酿鸡尾酒、本地葡萄酒和啤酒的高级酒吧。Aurora Lounge 还将提供私人淋浴套间、康体空间、主厨烹制的餐点、单点菜单和餐桌服务。

虽然 Aurora 的目标是提升高端旅客的体验，但阿拉斯加航空表示，其更广泛的战略是为所有舱位乘客提供物超所值的服务，包括为年轻和注重预算的乘客提供服务。

该航空公司也在改进其常旅客计划，以表彰不同类型的旅客，包括经常短途旅行的旅客，而不是仅仅根据客户的消费金额来奖励他们。

对阿拉斯加航空而言，挑战在于如何将其不断扩展的航线网络、合作伙伴关系和升级的服务转化为在韩国等市场更高的品牌知名度。通过整合美国境内便捷的转机服务、更优质的机上服务和更具差异化的高端产品，阿拉斯加航空旨在吸引更多韩国乘客，并持续转型为一家全球性航空公司。

塔克特表示，转型成为一家全球性航空公司“不仅是最具挑战性的事情之一，也是最有趣、最有成就感的事情之一”。

“我们非常感谢韩国以及我们进入的所有其他市场给予我们的接待和支持，”他补充道。

阿拉斯加航空公司提拔韩国办事处负责人领导亚洲业务

【采访】仁川成为阿拉斯加航空公司进军东南亚的门户