Alaska Airlines has officially introduced its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, designated N784HA, showcasing the airline’s new Aurora livery. The aircraft was photographed departing from the paint shop at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport on January 6, 2026, and has since landed in Seattle, where it will remain overnight before entering service.
Originally intended for Hawaiian Airlines, this aircraft was part of an order that included five Boeing 787s, which Alaska Airlines assumed following its acquisition of Hawaiian in 2025. The transition marks a significant step for Alaska as it takes over Hawaiian’s 787 orders and plans to utilize the aircraft for long-haul routes, while Hawaiian will focus on its Airbus A330-200 for its long-distance operations.
Details of the First Boeing 787-9
The newly painted N784HA is equipped with two General Electric GEnx engines and configured to accommodate a total of 300 passengers. This includes 34 business class suites, based on the Elevate Ascent design, and 266 economy seats, utilizing the Collins Aspire configuration. The aircraft’s interior closely mirrors that of Hawaiian’s existing 787s, ensuring a consistent passenger experience.
Interestingly, N784HA was ferried to Boeing Field rather than Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, primarily for a press event scheduled for January 7. It is set to commence operations on January 8, with the inaugural flight from Seattle to Tokyo-Narita. This route has recently been served by Hawaiian’s Boeing 787-9 and has shifted from the previous Airbus A330-200 service.
Expansion Plans for Long-Haul Operations
Alaska Airlines aims to enhance its long-haul service offerings significantly, especially in light of growing competition from Delta Air Lines in Seattle. The acquisition of 21 Boeing 787s, including 12 new-build 787-9s and four existing 787-9s currently operated by Hawaiian, positions Alaska to expand its international presence. The airline also has five Boeing 787-10s on order, making it only the second U.S. carrier to do so.
In addition to routes to Tokyo-Narita, Alaska Airlines is preparing to launch services to Seoul, London-Heathrow, and Rome. The airline is already selling tickets for these routes, reflecting its commitment to establishing a robust long-haul network. A new pilot base for Boeing 787 operations is anticipated to open in the spring of 2026, further facilitating this expansion.
Currently, the onboard experience on the 787s aligns closely with that of Hawaiian’s fleet. While the aircraft will feature large screens and a well-regarded business class experience, they notably lack Wi-Fi. Alaska Airlines plans to retrofit its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi, which is recognized for its speed, and the 787s are expected to receive this upgrade by late 2026.
With this strategic move, Alaska Airlines is poised to strengthen its competitive position in the long-haul market, leveraging its fleet of Boeing 787s to offer enhanced routes and services from Seattle.
