# Alaska Air Group fleet and service expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alaska-air-group-fleet-and-service-expansion > Updated: 2026-09-28T05:27:30.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2. Alaska Air Group is implementing significant fleet updates and service expansions following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Initial developments include the transition of the Honolulu–Kahului route to Boeing 737-800 aircraft to replace aging Boeing 717 models. Additionally, Alaska Airlines is expanding its international network by introducing Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the Narita–Seattle route, which will feature new international business class suites. The company is further evolving its strategy by launching two distinct premium brands: ‘Aurora’ for Alaska Airlines and ‘Leihōkū’ for Hawaiian Airlines. These initiatives include the introduction of lie-flat suites on select transcontinental routes using Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. A ‘Premium Reserve’ economy cabin—offering wide reclining seats, increased legroom, and upgraded dining—is scheduled to appear on Boeing 787s, Airbus A330s, and select MAX 10 aircraft starting in 2028. To complement these in-flight enhancements, the group is investing in new airport lounges in Seattle, Honolulu, and San Diego. In a move to deepen its international presence, Alaska Airlines plans to join American Airlines’ Atlantic and Pacific joint business ventures to enhance connectivity between the U.S., Europe, and Asia. On the loyalty front, the Atmos Rewards program is set to expand its partnership with Bank of America to allow for points transfers starting in 2027. Through its ‘Alaska Accelerate’ program, the group is formalizing these investments to compete with global carriers. President and CFO Shane Tackett noted that these investments aim to boost earnings per share by $3 to $4 and lift margins by 2 to 3 percentage points, though long-term targets remain dependent on fuel price stability and economic conditions. Alongside these service upgrades, the U.S. Department of Transportation has secured binding, enforceable protections to oversee the merger. ## Claims - Alaska Air Group is introducing two flagship premium experiences named Aurora and Leihōkū. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new Premium Reserve economy cabin will debut in 2028 on Boeing 787 and select 737-10 MAX aircraft, as well as Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 fleet. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The company plans to open new airport lounges in Seattle, Honolulu, and San Diego. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Alaska Air Group acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Shane Tackett stated that premium investments could eventually add $3 to $4 to Alaska's earnings per share. (single source) - Shane Tackett stated that the investments could lift margins by 2 to 3 percentage points within a couple of years. (single source) - Alaska plans to install 12 lie-flat Aurora Suites on at least 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft. (single source) - The Premium Reserve cabin will feature a 38-inch seat pitch and upgraded amenities. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: Alaska Air Group unveils major premium travel and international expansion plans Alaska Air Group is launching a major premium travel overhaul, including new Aurora and Leihōkū suites, a Premium Reserve economy class, and expanded international joint ventures. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alaska-air-group-unveils-premium-travel-expansion-and-new-luxury-cabins ### 2026-09-22: Alaska Airlines announces fleet upgrades and new Narita–Seattle service Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are upgrading fleets with Boeing 737-800s for Hawaiian inter-island routes and introducing Boeing 787-9 wide-body service on the Narita–Seattle route in 2026. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alaska-airlines-announces-fleet-upgrades-and-new-naritaseattle-service --- Cite as: Alaska Air Group fleet and service expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alaska-air-group-fleet-and-service-expansion