Alaska Airlines began daily nonstop cargo and passenger service between Seattle and London Heathrow on 21 May 2026, marking the carrier’s second European route. The new transatlantic link connects UK exporters and importers to Alaska’s Pacific hub, opening direct access to Japan, South Korea, Hawaii and over 100 North American destinations.
The Seattle-London service operates year-round from Terminal 3 at Heathrow using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners configured with 34 international business class suites. Alaska launched Seattle-Rome service in April, becoming the first airline to offer daily flights on that route. Service to Reykjavík begins 28 May, completing Alaska’s initial European expansion.
Seattle Hub Becomes Transatlantic Gateway for Pacific Trade
Alaska Air Cargo launched dedicated belly-hold freight service on the London route the same day passenger flights began. The daily schedule creates a novel east-west corridor for UK and European shippers looking to reach Asian markets via Seattle rather than traditional eastbound routings through Middle Eastern or Asian hubs.
Des Vertannes, managing director of Wexco Cargo GSSA, noted the shift: “From the UK and Europe, when you’re looking at those Asian Pacific connections, you naturally look east. To have Seattle as a hub and Alaska Airlines is a novel option. We now have a new direction, new routes to explore and a new focal point.” Expected commodities include seafood, auto parts, health products and broadcasting equipment, with import demand boosted by Seattle hosting matches during this summer’s World Cup.
Fourth Largest US Global Carrier Targets Dozen International Routes
Alaska Airlines became the fourth largest global carrier in the US and 15th largest worldwide following its 2024 combination with Hawaiian Airlines. The merged entity operates from seven hubs including Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, serving 110 cities globally with plans to reach 550 aircraft by 2035.
The airline targets at least a dozen long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030, with LAX service to Guatemala and Costa Rica also planned. Alaska operates daily widebody service to Tokyo Narita, Seoul and Honolulu, with connections to Sydney, Osaka and Tokyo Haneda through the Honolulu hub. The carrier is the only US airline running dedicated freighters between Seattle and Alaska daily, maintaining cold-chain logistics experience built over more than 90 years.
$41,000-Square-Foot Lounge Investment Signals Premium Push
Alaska will open the largest airline lounge in Seattle in late 2027, spanning over 41,000 square feet across two levels with approximately 700 seats. The lounge investment accompanies new facilities in Portland opening summer 2026, with San Diego and Honolulu lounges scheduled for early 2028.
Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s chief commercial officer, said the expansion brings “West Coast hospitality to every step of the journey” for European passengers, while US travellers gain “more convenient access to Europe with the airline they know and love.” The carrier is installing Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet, including 100% of widebody aircraft by autumn 2026.
Industry Perspective: Hub Strategy Opens Multi-Leg Routing Options
Alaska’s Seattle hub model creates competitive routing alternatives for forwarders assembling complex UK-Asia itineraries. Traditional eastbound Europe-Asia lanes face capacity constraints and premium pricing on high-demand routes. A westbound option via Seattle adds price competition and schedule flexibility, particularly for shippers moving time-sensitive goods that benefit from daily departures.
The combined Alaska-Hawaiian network brings over 90 years of cold-chain expertise and remote-community service to the transatlantic market. Ian Morgan, Alaska’s vice president of cargo, emphasised the connectivity: “We can connect from Japan or South Korea to Europe via Seattle, while still serving cargo needs throughout the West Coast and more remote places like Hawaii and communities in Alaska that no one else can serve like we can.” Forwarders booking multi-carrier, multi-leg routes need platforms that compare airport-to-airport and door-to-door options across carriers quickly to capitalise on new routing opportunities as they emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Alaska Airlines start London-Seattle cargo service?
Alaska Air Cargo launched daily service between London Heathrow and Seattle on 21 May 2026, operating alongside passenger flights using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner belly-hold capacity.
How many European destinations does Alaska Airlines serve?
Alaska currently serves three European cities: Rome (launched April 2026), London Heathrow (launched 21 May 2026) and Reykjavík (beginning 28 May 2026). The carrier plans at least a dozen long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030.
What cargo commodities will move on the London-Seattle route?
Expected freight includes seafood, auto parts, health and wellness products, and broadcasting equipment. Alaska has shipped thousands of pounds of Pacific Northwest clams to Rome and 7,000 pounds of New Zealand hops on existing routes, indicating agricultural and perishable cargo strength.
How does Seattle connect to Asian markets for UK shippers?
Alaska operates daily widebody service from Seattle to Tokyo Narita and Seoul, with connections to Sydney, Osaka and Tokyo Haneda via Honolulu. The Seattle hub reaches over 100 destinations nonstop across North America and the Pacific, creating a westbound alternative to traditional eastbound Europe-Asia routing.
What makes Alaska Airlines different for cargo shippers?
Alaska is the only US airline operating dedicated freighters between Seattle and Alaska daily, bringing over 90 years of cold-chain logistics experience and remote-community service to its international network. The merged Alaska-Hawaiian operation serves 110 cities worldwide with consistent handling standards.
New Routes Demand Faster Quoting and Booking
Alaska’s European expansion adds routing complexity for forwarders building UK-Asia and UK-West Coast itineraries. Comparing multi-carrier, multi-leg options across A2A and D2D alternatives takes time when using email chains and spreadsheets. Cargo Solutions Network gives forwarders instant access to live rates and vetted partners across global lanes, with zero subscription fees. Quote complex routes in minutes, book direct and track milestones in one portal. Built by freight people, for freight people.
