Alaska’s first Dreamliner since Hawaiian merger touches down in white, marking carrier’s push into international markets with new livery and premium cabins.
Alaska Airlines received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday, marking a milestone in the carrier’s transformation into a global airline following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
The widebody aircraft, bearing tail number N784HA, arrived in all-white livery after a coast-to-coast ferry flight from Charleston International Airport that took just under five hours, according to FlightAware data. The jet represents Alaska’s first 787 that was not acquired through the Hawaiian Airlines merger completed at the end of 2024.
The aircraft was originally ordered by Hawaiian Airlines but will now wear Alaska’s new Aurora Livery, designed to resemble the Northern Lights. The paint scheme is scheduled to be applied in January 2026 as part of a fleet-wide rebranding effort for all 787s in the combined airline’s inventory.
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage,” Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines’ chief commercial officer, said in August. “We’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery.”
The delivery comes as Alaska expands its widebody fleet to serve new international routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The airline has converted some of its 787-9 orders to the larger 787-10 variant and expects the fleet to grow to as many as 17 aircraft, all operating from Seattle.
In spring 2026, Alaska will launch two new routes from Seattle: daily year-round service to London Heathrow and flights to Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. The additions bring the total to five international destinations from Seattle, with plans to expand to 12 by 2030.
The London route addresses demand from more than 400 passengers who make the transatlantic journey daily. Alaska has partnered with American Airlines and British Airways to establish a European gateway in the British capital. The Seattle hub also positions the carrier to connect European travelers with West Coast destinations, including Hawaii and Alaska.
The 787-9 features a three-class configuration with 300 seats. Business class offers 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats, privacy doors, 18-inch 4K seatback screens, wireless charging and direct aisle access. Premium class includes 79 extra-legroom seats in a 3-3-3 configuration with larger screens and complimentary cocktails. The economy cabin has 187 seats, also arranged 3-3-3, with seatback entertainment, Bluetooth audio, USB-A and USB-C power ports, and complimentary meals on long-haul flights.
All 787s from the merged Alaska-Hawaiian fleet are being relocated to Seattle to support the airline’s international expansion strategy. The aircraft will serve as the backbone of Alaska’s evolution from a regional carrier to a competitor on long-haul international routes.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska Airlines received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Los Angeles on Saturday, the first widebody not acquired through the Hawaiian Airlines merger.
- The aircraft will receive Alaska’s new Aurora Livery in January 2026, inspired by the Northern Lights, as part of fleet-wide rebranding.
- Alaska plans to grow its 787 fleet to 17 aircraft serving Seattle, launching London Heathrow and Reykjavik routes in spring 2026.
- The carrier aims to expand from five to 12 international destinations from Seattle by 2030, partnering with American Airlines and British Airways.
