United States: Alaska Airlines Repaints Former Hawaiian 787s with Stunning Aurora Global Livery to Expand International Reach

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In a significant step towards enhancing its international presence, Alaska Airlines has completed the repainting of its entire fleet of former Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These aircraft, once adorned with Hawaiian Airlines‘ signature purple and orange Pualani livery, now sport Alaska’s new Aurora-inspired Global design. This move follows the 2024 merger between the two carriers, marking a visible transformation in their combined fleet. The new livery is designed to reflect Alaska Airlines’ long-haul ambitions, signaling its growing network of international routes.

The newly painted Dreamliners, with their distinctive deep blue and emerald green patterns, inspired by the Aurora Borealis, are already operational on several international flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). These services include high-demand routes to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), with plans to extend this international reach to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in 2026.

A New Chapter for Alaska Airlines’ Dreamliners

Alaska Airlines’ decision to rebrand the former Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners is a key part of its strategic expansion. The airline has always been known for its strong domestic network, but this move further cements its commitment to broadening its global reach. The four Dreamliners, with registrations N780HA, N781HA, N782HA, and N783HA, were repainted at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (FTW) before making their return to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in March. The final aircraft, N783HA, re-entered service just two days after returning to Seattle, completing a flight to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

In addition to the rebranded Dreamliners, Alaska Airlines also added a fifth Boeing 787-9 aircraft, registered N784HA, which arrived with a temporary white paint scheme. This aircraft was quickly given the Aurora Global livery and began flying as part of the newly expanded international fleet. As the airline looks to grow its international services from Seattle, these newly branded Dreamliners are a key tool in meeting increased demand for long-haul flights.

The Aurora Global Livery: A Symbol of Alaska’s Expanding Horizons

The Aurora Global livery is a striking visual identity that represents Alaska Airlines’ expansion into the international market. Each repaint took nearly two weeks and 1,000 labor hours to complete, resulting in a reflective design that mirrors the mesmerizing colors of the Aurora Borealis. This new look replaces Alaska’s traditional tail artwork with a deep blue and emerald green design, giving the aircraft a fresh and modern appearance.

The livery’s shimmering effect enhances the visual appeal of the Boeing 787-9s, making them stand out as they soar across the skies. Alaska Airlines has always prided itself on its scenic routes and commitment to exploring new horizons, and this new branding is a natural extension of that philosophy.

Interior Features: A Blend of Comfort and Luxury

While the external design has undergone a transformation, the interior configuration of the Boeing 787-9s remains largely unchanged from their Hawaiian Airlines roots. Each aircraft retains its original cabin layout, offering passengers a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience. The business class cabin features 34 Leihōkū Suites, which are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout for direct aisle access. Each suite is designed for maximum comfort, with fully lie-flat seats, privacy doors, and 18-inch entertainment screens.

The economy cabin offers 266 seats equipped with 12-inch entertainment screens. In addition, 79 seats are designated as Extra Comfort options, offering additional legroom for those seeking more space during their long-haul journey.

Although Alaska Airlines has not yet announced a confirmed timeline, plans are in place to retrofit these aircraft with updated cabins in the future to ensure they meet the airline’s evolving standards of passenger comfort and modern amenities.

Alaska Airlines’ Expanding International Network

Alaska Airlines’ expanding international network is already taking shape with Boeing 787-9s flying to Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Seoul Incheon (ICN). The airline’s efforts to broaden its global footprint are set to continue with the upcoming launch of routes to London Heathrow (LHR) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO) in 2026. These services will make Seattle-Tacoma International Airport a vital hub for Alaska Airlines’ international operations.

Looking further ahead, Alaska Airlines has set an ambitious goal of expanding its international network from Seattle to include up to 12 destinations by 2030. This growth will be supported by the increasing number of Dreamliners joining the fleet, with future deliveries expected to include the larger Boeing 787-10 model. The 787-10 offers more seating capacity than the 787-9, making it a perfect fit for high-demand long-haul routes.

Future Plans: Boeing 787 Orders and Fleet Strategy

Alaska Airlines has demonstrated its commitment to long-haul travel by placing an order for five additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners earlier in 2026. This brings the total number of 787s on order to 17 aircraft. These future deliveries will primarily consist of the 787-10 variant, which is expected to offer 40 additional seats compared to the 787-9. The larger aircraft will allow Alaska Airlines to accommodate more passengers and meet the growing demand for international travel.

The decision to convert Hawaiian Airlines’ remaining 787-9 orders into the 787-10 model underscores Alaska’s long-term strategy of using high-capacity widebody aircraft for its international network. This decision aligns with the airline’s vision of establishing Seattle as a primary long-haul gateway for the carrier.

A New Era for Alaska Airlines

With its recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines‘ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Alaska Airlines is taking significant steps towards enhancing its international presence. The Aurora Global livery represents the airline’s bold new direction, while the reconfigured aircraft continue to offer comfort and style for passengers. As the airline expands its global network, more routes will be added, including to key destinations in Europe and Asia. With its growing fleet and ambitious plans for the future, Alaska Airlines is poised to become a major player in the international aviation market.