A new chapter is underway for the most advanced aircraft ever introduced by Hawaii’s bellwether and flag carrier—and it’s taking off far from the islands it was built to serve.
No longer a surprise destination.
Alaska Airlines has just confirmed it will launch nonstop service from Seattle to Rome starting May 2026. The flight will operate four times weekly using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the same aircraft Hawaiian Airlines once hailed as the future of premium travel to and from the islands.
But there’s no Honolulu in sight. Instead, this flagship route will be Alaska’s first-ever European destination. Tickets go on sale this fall, and the flight will be scheduled to depart Seattle at 6:00 PM and arrive in Rome at 1:45 PM the following day. The return departs Rome at 3:45 PM and lands back in Seattle at 6:00 PM.
The announcement confirms what many suspected: Alaska is seizing full control of Hawaiian’s Dreamliner fleet—and steering it in a very different direction.
The plane that was meant to change Hawaii travel has moved on.
Hawaiian Airlines ordered its first Dreamliners back in 2018, calling them a “game changer” for the carrier’s long-haul ambitions. The aircraft would eventually augment and replace aging A330s and now departed 767s and support new routes to New York, Japan, and potentially Europe and Australia. It was a big swing—a bet that Hawaii could compete not just on price, but on experience.
The interiors were designed with that goal in mind. Hawaiian unveiled lie-flat suites, a beautiful new quiet cabin, and new inflight service meant to reflect island hospitality. The airline even customized everything from the lighting and lavatories to the ceilings and walls. Its Dreamliner was supposed to bring back the romance of flying to Hawaii and it appeared set to do just that.
Instead, the aircraft was delayed for years by Boeing production setbacks. By the time the first jet entered Hawaiian service in early 2024, that airilne’s world had shifted dramatically. Overwhelming financial losses, soaring competition, and the proposed merger with Alaska Airlines had already changed everything.
Now the Dreamliner’s mission is no longer Hawaii. It’s Europe and Asia.
What this says about the future of Hawaii flights.
Alaska hasn’t been shy about its global ambitions. Executives have hinted for months that the Dreamliner’s long range opens up entirely new markets. But until now, the airline hadn’t confirmed any specific plans to fly to Europe. The Rome announcement marks a turning point—not just for Alaska, but for what remains of Hawaiian’s original vision.
With the operating certificate set to consolidate before 2026, Alaska will officially take over Hawaiian’s widebody fleet. And based on this move, the Dreamliners will not be routed through Honolulu. They’ll be sent to Seattle instead. The ones now delivered and those in the pipeline will at least for now retain the Hawaiian branding. After that, it seems likely that too will be gone.
That reshuffling may seem very logical from an operational standpoint—Seattle offers more connecting traffic, corporate demand, and flexibility. But for travelers who long-hoped Hawaiian’s Dreamliner would elevate long-distance service to the islands, it feels sad nonethtless.
Already pulled from Hawaii routes.
This isn’t the first time signs pointed away from Honolulu. Hawaiian had originally deployed the Dreamliner between Honolulu and mainland destinations earlier this year, only to quietly withdraw it weeks later. Hawaiian Dreamliner Departs Hawaii, Fades as Seattle Rises Globally
It hasn’t returned.
Instead, the airline has and will continue to lean on older A330s and 717s to maintain core service. Meanwhile, Alaska has begun infusig its brand, systems, and staffing into Hawaiian’s operations. The shift is clear: Dreamliner service isn’t being expanded within Hawaii.
What travelers are saying.
Readers were quick to weigh in after the last Dreamliner shakeup. Patricia wrote, “We waited years for the Dreamliner to come to Hawaii. Now it’s going to Europe? What a joke.” In contrast, Kevin noted, “Seattle to Rome makes sense. These planes weren’t making money flying from Honolulu.”
Both points make sense. The financial math may not favor flying Dreamliners from Hawaii. But that doesn’t make the optics any easier for loyal travelers who were promised something more.
This was the aircraft that was supposed to restore comfort, compete with Asian carriers, and reimagine what long-haul flights from Hawaii could be. Instead, its premier destination under Alaska is now Rome.
The Rome route will just be the beginning.
Industry analysts believe this won’t be the only new long-haul route using Hawaiian’s aircraft. Once the fleet grows—up to 12 Dreamliners are on order—it’s likely that Alaska will announce additional Europe and Asia flights from West Coast hubs. They will number in the dozens.
None of that guarantees Hawaii will get new widebody service or even retain all that is previously had. In fact, every move so far has positioned those aircraft farther from the islands. Hawaiian’s Widebody Gamble Is Over—Alaska Just Reset the Rules.
What Hawaii travelers should watch next.
With the merger nearing single operating certificate sign-off, Alaska has been reshaping Hawaiian’s strategy behind the scenes. Widebody routes are being reassigned, loyalty programs are being rewritten, and future growth will continue to center on Seattle—not Honolulu.
That has implications not just for flights, but for jobs, investment, and long-term planning in Hawaii.
Let us know what you think: Should these Dreamliners still have a role in Hawaii’s future—or is that chapter officially closed.
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Both Hawaiian Airlines and the state have been horribly mismanaged for Years, and we’re finally seeing the results of it. I’m currently visiting Alaska for the first time in a few years, and it’s funny how a state with NO taxes is able to keep 60 miles of highway lit and no potholes, while Hawaii the Highest taxed state can’t. Complete and utter incompetence all around!
Have always been loyal to Hawaiin airlines. Went to Hawaii this time on a Dreamliner feel like Alaska airlines is taking the cream and we will have the leftovers. Hello American air
I’m happy to hear that AS is flying to FCO from SEA, a trip I definitely look forward to next year. It’s the absolute right choice to fly the 787s on this route. Currently, HA flies their 787s to and from the West Coast and their A330s to and from AKL which makes no sense. Hawaii is a leisure destination that does not warrant flying their 787s when they can be flown to long-haul international routes. I can’t wait for AS to expand their international routes to more Asian and European cities. Currently, it’s impossible to find any award space from the West Coast to Asia that does not cost a fortune in miles.
“Should” the 787’s have a role in Hawaii’s future?
It depends on where they can be most profitably deployed.
People reading this website seem to think Hawaiian air travel is about travel From Hawaii. That is wrong. Hawaiian air travel is about travel To Hawaii and that is overwhelmingly leisure, price-sensitive for which fold-flat business class seats on a 6 hour, or less, flight from Honolulu to the West Coast is a downright obscene waste of resources.
The A330’s will be in Hawaiian’s fleet as long as HA is providing the contract operations for Amazon. If that ends, all bets are off.
Down the line, if there are any profitable South Pacific routes available, United will be able to fold them into its ex-Air Micronesia service. HA’s A321’s can go about as far as Salt Lake City, which is just fine. Further into the mainland, it’s cheaper and faster to sun-seekers to go to Mexico.
Hawaiian could make a go of it with just the A321’s for mainland service.
Hawaiian Airlines leadership gambled on the fleet of Airbus wide body jets and changing the focus of the airline too long hall flights and not the core mission of inter island travel. This was a poor decision resulting in deleterious outcomes. The A330 is not designed for the type of HI to mainland mission set Hawaiian operates. In fact the venerable 767-200ER is better at this mission. Regardless, management did not know how to correctly adjust to any economic event and racked up debt to the brink of bankrupting. Alaska now will pick up the parts its needs and sale the rest off in time.
The big eskimo face will be on future Dreamliners. Hawaiian will go the way of Virgin America. Absorbed and left on the curb.
That’s a smart business decision that will pay off handsomely for Alaska. HNL (and my extension OGG, LIH, KOA) have no leverage. The price flyers would need to pay to keep them in service to Oahu would be too much. Most people are looking for value these days. I love Dreamliners and flew one of Hawaiian’s just a few weeks ago – wonderful experience. We gotta get real: Dreamliners are too precious to work shorter hauls like Hawaii. I might take them up on their SEA-FCO offer.
Smart business desertion? Well, that may be all this is to some on the Mainland. For those who are very concerned with the health of commerce and industry in Hawaii this is more sad and disappointing news. We all know how this is going to end. Alaska knows that the folks of Hawaii will be deeply angered so they are taking little steps and trying to smooth over the bad parts
With the new tourism taxes there will be fewer people flying to Hawaii.
I love the islands but the state government is really foolish. I’d rather go to Rome
My loyalty to Hawaiian has ended once bought out by Alaskan. They are now just like any other mainland company. I feel sorry for all the Hawaiian employees who will now be infused by mainland corporate culture rather than carry on the Aloha spirit.
Mahalo! We will always be Proud to be Hawaiian! Pualani lives on forever in our hearts.
Alaskan? I think you mean Alaska.
Hawaiian was on the brink of bankruptcy, so obviously the business model was broken.
I’m just sad about the whole thing. I would like to visit my grandchildren in California sometime this year, but from Big Island, it is cheaper to fly to Japan than to a regional airport in So Cal. LAX is not even close to where they are. A 5 hour drive is ridiculous when there are 3 other airports closer that Hawaiian flies into. Last year, I flew round trip to see them for $144.80! This year, there is nothing for less than almost $700 and to fly on points, I’ll never earn that many! I’m sad that Alaskan is ruining everything about Hawaiian.
Alaska will do what it wants, and is most profitable, for the Dreamliners. Anyone who thinks otherwise hasn’t been paying attention and/or doesn’t understand how mergers actually work.
I think it would be pretty cool to see a HAL branded/painted aircraft land in Rome.
The Hawaiian Pualani livery will be replaced by the Alaska Eskimo on the new 787’s yet to be delivered.
It is likely that the three current Hawaiian 787’s may get repainted in Alaska colors as soon as they can be taken out of service without interrupting the flight schedule.
The FAA radio call sign will change from Hawaiian to Alaska as soon as the single operating certificate is issued. The flight booking code HA will also be replaced by AS.
It will mean the end of Hawaiian Airlines as a stand alone carrier and the 95 year history of a once great but yet still proud airline will come to an end.
Air France is 91 years strong and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines at 105 years. They operate under the Air France-KLM holding company, like AAG. When I was last in Europe I didn’t notice any planes being repainted. They offer distinct service and culture. Hawaiian will continue to do so regardless of the aircraft model they fly.
For me it’s all about the seat. Can’t do a redeye in any recliner. Did the recently suggested 3 seats in economy with my wife recently on a daytime flight to the mainland. She prepared food that was way safer and tastier than the so called first class meals. The only downside is the lack of bathrooms. Find an aircraft that has at least 3 bathrooms. We did it for less than half of what first class would of cost. Try it.
This is sad for Hawaii tourism. We will have to wait and see how it all evolves. It is for sure it will not be the same. I will miss the Aloha vibe.
They screwed local people when they had the monopoly now it’s coming back to bite them in the you know what.
I am sad to see the A330s leave the mainland to Hawaii routes, but I understand the reason/decision.
Its the dreamliners leaving Hawaii not the A330. At least not yet.
But the mindset of Alaskan Airlines was to steal the Dreamliners from Hawaiian from day one. They could not afford to purchase the planes. So let’s just get deeper in debt and buy out Hawaiian. Do not see how the goverment allowed this purchase now. It is a struggling airline trying to be worldwide. And using Seattle as a hub is ludicrous.
When any part California would have been much more profitable.
Alaska Airlines is not struggling the way you seem to think it is. Yes, they had a rough 1st quarter loss but had made money prior to that. And I think you are incorrect about profitability out of SEA. SEA has a lot of P2P demand to points all over the world. Rome nonstops have no competition at all from SEA but that would not be the case from SFO or LAX. By starting with just 4 flights oer week, they are dipping their toes in the water. Based on other long haul routes out of SEA, I suspect the schedule will expand over time.
I’m so lucky to have flown on the HALs 787s last August. The service in first class was spectacular.