Alaska Airlines marked a major milestone with the launch of its inaugural nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome, the first-ever direct connection between the Emerald City and the Eternal City.
The new service signals Alaska’s official expansion into Europe and reinforces its role as a global carrier, further establishing Seattle as a premier international gateway for Alaska Airlines.
“Launching our first flight to Europe is a significant step in executing our long–term growth strategy. Service to Rome expands how we connect our guests to the world, strengthens Seattle’s role as a global gateway and is made possible by our people who deliver safety, care and performance with every flight. Andiamo!” said Ben Minicucci, CEO Alaska Air Group.
Alaska’s seasonal service to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is available through 23 October, offering guests the only daily nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Rome.
The flight departs Seattle at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Rome at 1:15 p.m., giving guests a full afternoon to begin exploring one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, from historic streets to rolling vineyards and iconic coastal views. Westbound flights depart from Rome at 3:25 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 5:45 p.m., inviting Italian guests to experience the Pacific Northwest’s renowned food and wine scene and breathtaking natural landscapes.
This new European service will also enable some of the best connectivity between Hawaii to and from Europe with just one stop through Seattle, benefiting Hawaii-based travellers and opening a new European visitor gateway to the Hawaiian Islands.
“Alaska Airlines’ new direct flight to Rome opens one of the largest unserved markets for Seattle for both leisure and business travellers. Creating this new link between Italy and the Pacific Northwest will allow travellers on both sides of the connection to explore our shared passions for cuisine, culture, and natural beauty,” said Ryan Calkins, President Port of Seattle Commission.
The new Rome service also advances Alaska Airlines’ growing global cargo business. Beginning April 28, Alaska will become the first U.S. passenger airline to offer daily nonstop cargo service between Seattle and Rome, strengthening trade connections between the Pacific Northwest and Italy and expanding the airline’s cargo network to 109 destinations worldwide.
New international business class Suites
Alaska Airlines recently debuted its new international business class Suites experience just in time for its expansion into Europe, marking yet another exciting milestone in the airline’s growing global network across Asia and Europe, with continued international expansion still ahead.
The new nonstop to Rome is operated on a 787‑9 Dreamliner, featuring Alaska’s newly designed global livery and including 34 spacious business class Suites.
The international business class Suites experience is already flying to South Korea from Seattle and will be offered between Seattle and London when the year‑round, nonstop route launches 21 May. The Suites experience will debut on the Seattle–Tokyo service this fall with the return of the 787 to the market.
