How Alaska Airlines Wants To Build America's Next Global Carrier
Alaska Airlines carried 50.7% of all passengers and 56.4% of domestic traffic at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport in 2025, making it the dominant carrier at the hub. About 70% of travelers through SEA begin or end their journey in Seattle, and the airline plans to launch seven intercontinental destinations from Seattle by summer 2027. It also aims to have at least 15 long‑haul destinations in its network by 2030.1
The expansion is part of Alaska’s strategy to grow premium revenue, which it expects to exceed 40% of total revenue by 2030, up from roughly 35% today. By increasing its long‑haul footprint, the airline seeks to capture a larger share of both domestic and international demand from the Seattle market, where it already accounts for more than half of passenger traffic.1